Cavan Sullivan made history as the first 16-year-old in MLS to contribute to goals in four consecutive matches, scoring in the second half as the Philadelphia Union defeated the New York Red Bulls 3-1 on Saturday night. Sullivan’s goal in the 50th minute marked his third of the season and helped the Union secure a 2-0 lead. Milan Iloski opened the scoring with his career-high 11th goal in the 21st minute, supported by assists from Indiana Vassilev and Danley Jean Jacques. The Union extended their lead to 3-0 with a goal from 18-year-old Neil Pierre, assisted by Iloski and Bruno Damiani. The Red Bulls managed to avoid a shutout when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored in the 74th minute. Philadelphia’s Andre Blake recorded three saves, maintaining the team’s unbeaten streak to seven matches.
Why It Matters
Cavan Sullivan’s achievement highlights the increasing impact of young players in Major League Soccer, as he joins an exclusive group of players aged 18 or younger with scoring contributions in four straight matches. The Philadelphia Union’s victory also emphasizes their recent strong performance, having gone 3-0-2 in their last five matches. Historically, the Union have shown resilience against the Red Bulls, leading the all-time series with a 17-15-9 record. This match reflects the ongoing competitiveness of the league, as teams navigate challenges and strive for playoff positions.
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