16-Year-Old Makes US Soccer History
Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan, 16, made U.S. soccer history by scoring his first two professional goals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Sullivan became the youngest American to score in a major continental competition, underscoring the increasing presence of youth talent in MLS.
At 16 years, 4 months, and 29 days old, Cavan Sullivan is not just the youngest American but also the third-youngest player of any nationality to score in the history of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. His two goals and two assists came in a dominant 7-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago's Defence Force FC. The Philadelphia Union advanced to the next round with a staggering 12-0 aggregate score over the two-leg series. Their next opponent in the prestigious North American club tournament will be the Mexican powerhouse, Club América. Soccer is in Sullivan's blood. His father, Brendan, and mother, Heike, both played Division I college soccer. His oldest brother, Quinn, is a teammate on the Philadelphia Union, and his grandfather, Larry Sullivan, was a head coach at Villanova University. The young midfielder's talent has already been noticed across the Atlantic. In May 2024, Sullivan signed the largest homegrown contract in MLS history with the Union, a deal that includes a clause for a transfer to English Premier League giants Manchester City when he turns 18 in 2027.
