The Philadelphia Union delivered a performance for the ages on Thursday night at Subaru Park, overwhelming Defence Force FC of Trinidad & Tobago 7-0 in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup. The emphatic victory sealed a jaw-dropping 12-0 aggregate triumph, propelling the Union into the Round of 16 and leaving their supporters in awe. But the night truly belonged to 16-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan, whose historic outing etched his name into the record books and set the stage for what could be a breakout campaign.
Head coach Bradley Carnell made no fewer than five changes from the first leg, blending seasoned veterans with promising young talent. The approach paid immediate dividends, as the Union controlled the tempo from kickoff and never looked back. The aggregate lead of 5-0 from the first leg might have tempted some teams to ease off, but Philadelphia showed no such complacency—if anything, they pressed their advantage with ruthless efficiency.
Geiner Martinez opened the scoring in just the seventh minute, capitalizing on a well-worked set piece to put the Union ahead on the night. The early goal set the tone, and soon after, midfielder Jovan Lukic—returning from a lengthy injury layoff—converted a penalty kick in the 10th minute to double the advantage. According to the official match ratings, Lukic “looked committed and eager, but a bit rusty,” yet his composure from the spot was never in doubt.
From there, the match quickly evolved into the Cavan Sullivan show. The teenage sensation, already the youngest player to debut for a North American major league sports team at 14 years and 293 days, and the second-youngest MLS starter at 15 years and 280 days, was everywhere. In the 12th minute, Sullivan showcased his vision and creativity with a highlight-reel assist to Stas Korzeniowski, who finished emphatically to make it 3-0. Sullivan’s ability to “thread a devastating pass” and his “impeccable vision, confidence and creativity in the attacking third” earned him a glowing 9/10 in the player ratings and the distinction of Player of the Match.
Korzeniowski, for his part, wasn’t done. He netted a second goal later in the half, demonstrating his knack for being in the right place at the right time and finishing with authority. As the first half drew to a close, the Union had already put the tie to bed, but the goals—and the drama—kept coming.
At halftime, Carnell made further changes, bringing on Ben Bender, who wasted no time making an impact. Bender slotted home in the 53rd minute after a slick combination with Sullivan, who notched his second assist of the night. The chemistry between the Union’s young guns and experienced heads was on full display, with Bender “slipping right into rhythm on the left side with Sullivan and Rafanello.”
Defensively, the Union were rarely troubled. Goalkeeper Andrew Rick faced no shots on target but was alert enough to snuff out a promising breakaway in the sixth minute. The backline, anchored by Olwethu Makhanya and debutant Geiner Martinez, kept the Defence Force attack at bay. Martinez, in particular, drew praise for his “strong first showing” and his ability to snuff out developing plays alongside Makhanya.
The second half was a procession, but the crowd at Subaru Park was treated to more history. In the 76th minute, Sullivan scored his first goal of the night with a clinical finish, becoming the youngest American to score in the Concacaf Champions Cup at just 16 years, 4 months, and 29 days. He wasn’t done—twelve minutes later, he capped off the scoring with a tap-in after starting the attack himself, bringing his tally to two goals and two assists for the night.
“He’s dangerous one-on-one, and he can thread a devastating pass,” read one match report, and Thursday’s display left little doubt. Sullivan’s performance was described as “dominant,” and his ability to influence the game at such a young age has already sparked comparisons to some of the world’s brightest prospects. The elephant in the room? Persistent reports linking Sullivan to English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City. While nothing is official yet, nights like this make it clear why Europe’s elite are circling.
Substitutes continued to make their mark. Sal Olivas, another promising youngster, assisted Sullivan’s second goal and picked up a yellow card for a late challenge. Malik Jakupović brought energy off the bench, while Jesus Bueno contributed defensively despite some shaky passing out of the back. Each substitute slotted seamlessly into Carnell’s system, a testament to the depth and cohesion of the squad.
Referee Julio Luna managed the match with a steady hand, earning an 8/10 rating for his officiating. The contest remained largely free of controversy, allowing the football to take center stage.
For Sullivan, Thursday night’s exploits are just the latest milestone in a burgeoning career. He starred for the United States at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup last fall, and his rapid ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. As one report put it, “He is getting better every time he steps on the field, and the Union are very clearly a better team with him in it.”
Looking ahead, Philadelphia faces a much sterner test in the Round of 16, where they’ll take on Mexican giants Club América in mid-March. América advanced after a tight 2-1 aggregate win over CD Olimpia and represent a significant step up in competition. The upcoming series will reveal much about the Union’s ambition and mettle—and if Sullivan continues his blistering form, anything seems possible.
But before that, the Union return to MLS action with their home opener against NYCFC on Sunday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m., broadcast on Apple TV. With confidence soaring and young stars shining, the mood around Subaru Park is electric. Can the Union carry this momentum forward? With Cavan Sullivan leading the charge, few would bet against them.
For now, Philadelphia fans can savor a night that won’t soon be forgotten—a showcase of youth, talent, and ambition, and a sign that the future might just be arriving ahead of schedule.