16-year-old Cavan Sullivan ties Messi with 12 goal contributions — SkimNews
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- Cavan Sullivan registered 12 goals and assists since the World Cup break — matching Lionel Messi and leading all MLS players in that span — while powering the Philadelphia Union on a 10-match unbeaten run that lifted them from last in the Eastern Conference to seventh and a playoff place.
- Cavan Sullivan broke the MLS record for goal contributions by a player 16 or younger, surpassing Freddy Adu, and has scored or assisted in seven consecutive matches, including a backheel goal against San Diego FC.
- Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that rising stars Sullivan, Zavier Gozo, Julian Hall, and Adri Mehemti are in the mix for the upcoming FIFA international window, describing a mix of experienced and young players with matches against Mexico and Canada ahead.
- Cavan Sullivan is bound for Manchester City when he turns 18 and currently plays alongside his brother Quinn, who also broke into the Union first team as a teenager.
- Cavan Sullivan publicly apologized to his teammates after missing chances in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul and has since driven the Union to result after result, a level of accountability Pochettino's staff noted as unusual for his age.
- Christian Pulisic is returning from injury at AC Milan and Folarin Balogun faces an uncertain situation at Monaco after a proposed move to Everton fell through, opening attacking spots that could go to Sullivan on the senior roster expected this week.
Why it matters: Pochettino's USMNT roster is expected this week and the international break features matches against Mexico and Canada — two tests where Sullivan's club form (12 goal contributions, a record-breaking youth line, and a 10-match unbeaten run) puts pressure on the staff to move past age-based hesitation and reward current production over pedigree.
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