Philadelphia Union fans witnessed history at Subaru Park on Thursday night as 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan delivered a performance for the ages, scoring twice and notching two assists in a resounding 7-0 victory over Trinidad’s Defence Force FC in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. With this display, Sullivan became the youngest American player ever to score in the tournament’s history, cementing his status as Major League Soccer’s latest teen prodigy and sending shockwaves through the North American soccer world.
The Union’s dominant win completed a 12-0 aggregate rout over two legs, following their 5-0 triumph in Trinidad and Tobago the previous week. The result propels Philadelphia into the next round, where a much-anticipated matchup with Mexican powerhouse Club América awaits. But while the team’s collective performance was impressive, it was Sullivan’s individual brilliance that had fans, pundits, and even television executives buzzing.
"It’s another moment in the right direction," Union coach Bradley Carnell said after the match, reflecting on Sullivan’s rapid development. The teenager’s first goal arrived in the 76th minute, a left-footed rocket from the edge of the box, following a turnover forced by teammate Ezekiel Alladoh. Sullivan’s movement and composure belied his age as he found the bottom corner, igniting cheers from the crowd—and his family, who were in attendance for the milestone.
His second strike came in the 88th minute, capping off a swift counterattack he had started. Sullivan played a clever pass to Jesus Bueno with the outside of his left foot, then continued his run into the area, sliding in to turn Sal Olivas’ low delivery into the net. "Like my grandfather always says, ‘Get in the box,’" Cavan said post-match, dedicating the night to his family, who have deep roots in Philadelphia soccer. "I’m thankful that they were all here to watch me play, and I dedicate this to them because without them, I wouldn’t be here."
Sullivan’s impact wasn’t limited to scoring. He also provided two assists: a deft back-heel to Stas Korzeniowski in the 12th minute and a floated pass to Ben Bender in the 53rd. His all-around play drew praise from Carnell, who noted, "You can see Cavan tries in the final third to make every moment a moment that counts, which is great, and we like that about Cav." The coach also highlighted Sullivan’s maturity, both on and off the ball, and his willingness to contribute defensively—attributes that have accelerated his rise in the Union’s pecking order.
Thursday’s match was only Sullivan’s third appearance of the 2026 season, following substitute roles in the MLS opener against DC United and the first-leg win over Defence Force. But with roster changes over the winter and injuries—including to his older brother, Quinn—opportunities have opened up for the young midfielder to earn meaningful minutes. The buzz around Sullivan has been building since he signed the most lucrative homegrown contract in MLS history in 2024. He made his professional debut at just 14 years and 293 days old, becoming the youngest player to appear in a major North American pro sports league, and was the youngest starter in MLS history at age 15 last July.
His reputation isn’t just built on hype. Sullivan led the United States to their first-ever CONCACAF Under-15 Championship in 2023, scoring four goals and earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Last November, he represented the U.S. at the Under-17 World Cup, tallying two goals and two assists in four matches. His performances at youth level have attracted the attention of European giants, and he is slated to join Manchester City when he turns 18 in 2027—a move that could see his star rise on the global stage.
The Union’s rout of Defence Force was a showcase not only for Sullivan but for the club’s commitment to youth development. Sixteen-year-old striker Malik Jakupović made his first-team debut as a substitute in the 59th minute. Jakupović, who recently scored eight goals in three games for the U.S. under-17 national team, impressed with his movement and nearly found the net with a sharp cutback in the 69th minute. "It’s surreal—I mean, I’m a professional, but not professional because I still have to do school and everything—but, yeah, I’m really happy," Jakupović said after the match.
Stas Korzeniowski, another young standout, bagged his first two goals for the Union’s first team in just his third appearance. The 23-year-old, who was playing college soccer at Penn two years ago, reflected on his rapid ascent: "For me to go from there to where I am now, it’s a position not many people get to be in, and I recognize that privilege. But I’m so excited to be in those positions, and I’m really not afraid by it. If anything I’m very encouraged, because there’s really nothing to lose. It’s just more experience, more opportunity, and to grow from that is all I want to do."
The lopsided scoreline belied the significance of the occasion for the Union’s young stars. The match was broadcast nationally on FS1, a testament to the growing interest in Sullivan and the club’s emerging talent. While the crowd at Subaru Park was sparse, the atmosphere is expected to be electric for Sunday’s MLS home opener against New York City FC—a rematch of last year’s playoff clash—and for the upcoming Champions Cup ties against Club América.
Despite the emphatic win, Union manager Carnell remains focused on continued growth. "I’m still very critical in certain moments," he admitted with a laugh, underscoring the high standards he sets for his young charges. Sullivan, too, recognizes the work ahead: "It’s something I’m working on every day, just slowing the game down, learning when to drive and accelerate, and learning when to just find the safe space. It’s something I work on with my dad a lot and with the coaches."
With their next test looming against one of North America’s most storied clubs, the Union and their teenage sensation are poised for even greater challenges. For now, though, Philadelphia fans can savor a night when a 16-year-old made history—and gave a glimpse of a dazzling future.