PHILADELPHIA — Sullivan is a 16-year-old midfielder for the Philadelphia Union who has become a central figure in the team's recent success. His performance against the Red Bulls included a second-half strike that contributed to the club's third consecutive win.

The match result carried historical weight for the young midfielder. Sullivan became the first 16-year-old in MLS history with goal contributions in four straight matches. His streak of goal contributions in four straight games is tied for the longest such streak by an under-18 player in MLS history.

Despite the attention surrounding his performances, Sullivan stated that his focus remains on his club duties. "I am not really focused on the whole call-up thing. But I am happy that we are winning games and that I am making a difference. The goals and assists are coming. I am just trying to keep this momentum," Sullivan said.

Landon Donovan called on USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino to give Cavan Sullivan a senior call-up during a discussion on the matter. "I'm saying call him in. There are not many attacking players in America who are American who are doing this. In fact, I don't know if there are any. And he's 16, Tim. So if you think he's part of it in four years, you get him in now," Donovan said.

Mauricio Pochettino is the coach of the US men's national team. Tim Howard agreed with Landon Donovan's assessment of Cavan Sullivan regarding a potential national team role. "He's got moxie, he's got swagger, he's got arrogance. He's a good kid, by the way. I spent time with him, he comes from a really good family," Howard said.

The USMNT's next game is scheduled for Sept. 26 against Peru. Should Cavan Sullivan play in the USMNT's next game on Sept. 26 against Peru, he would be two days shy of his 17th birthday, making him the fourth-youngest player to suit up for the men's national team.

Sullivan has a history of breaking age records in American professional sports. At age 14, Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to appear in a Major League Soccer match and the youngest player to debut in a major American or Canadian professional sports league. He is expected to transfer to Manchester City at the end of 2027.

Timeline

On August 29, 2026, Milan Iloski scored for the Philadelphia Union in the 21st minute. Later that day, Cavan Sullivan scored a goal in the 50th minute of the match against the New York Red Bulls. Neil Pierre scored for the Philadelphia Union in the 65th minute.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored for the New York Red Bulls in the 74th minute. The Philadelphia Union defeated the New York Red Bulls 3-1 on Saturday night. During the match, Cavan Sullivan became the first 16-year-old in MLS history with goal contributions in four straight matches. The Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten streak to seven games. Looking ahead, the USMNT's next game is scheduled for Sept. 26 against Peru.

What's New

Additional reporting confirmed that Cavan Sullivan scored in the second half to become the first 16-year-old in MLS history with goal contributions in four straight matches, and the Philadelphia Union beat the New York Red Bulls 3-1 on Saturday night to extend their unbeaten streak to seven. It was also reported that Ryan Richter is the interim head coach of the Philadelphia Union. Landon Donovan called on USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino to give Cavan Sullivan a senior call-up. Statistics show that Cavan Sullivan has recorded 10 goal contributions (3 goals, 7 assists) this season, tying Freddy Adu for the most goal contributions by a player 16 years old or younger in a single MLS season.

Further comments included remarks from Ryan Richter, who said, "The goal that he scored, it is what he is capable of doing. It is in these one-versus-one situations that he is different. And we want to give him the freedom to express himself." Richter also stated, "We want to give him the freedom to express himself and, honestly, he has gained the respect of his teammates. They also give him the freedom that he can go into these moments, because he can create something out of nothing." Landon Donovan said, "I'm saying call him in. In fact, I don't know if there are any. And he's 16, Tim. So if you think he's part of it in four years, you get him in now." Cavan Sullivan said, "I am not really focused on the whole call-up thing. The goals and assists are coming. I am just trying to keep this momentum."

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on the specific details regarding Cavan Sullivan's goal contributions. Major League Soccer records state that Cavan Sullivan became the first 16-year-old in MLS history with goal contributions in four straight matches.

Why It Matters

The discussion around Sullivan extends beyond club statistics to the United States men's national team. With the USMNT scheduled to play Peru on September 26, Sullivan's eligibility and potential inclusion have drawn attention from former national team figures. If he were to play, he would be two days shy of his 17th birthday, which would make him the fourth-youngest player to suit up for the men's national team. His expected transfer to Manchester City at the end of 2027 further reflects the high level of interest in his development.