Sixteen-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan, of Bangladeshi descent, produced a record-breaking display in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Thursday evening, guiding Philadelphia Union to a resounding victory over Defence Force FC of Trinidad and Tobago.
In the Round One second leg at Subaru Park, Philadelphia sealed a 7–0 win on the night and advanced to the last 16 with a 12–0 aggregate triumph. Sullivan was at the heart of the demolition, scoring twice and registering two assists — his first brace for the senior side.
His opening goal ensured a place in the history books, as he became the youngest American goalscorer in the tournament’s history.
The teenager first created the breakthrough in the 12th minute, setting up Stas Korzeniowski. He later assisted Ben Bender in the 53rd minute before taking centre stage himself. Sullivan struck twice within a 12-minute spell, finding the net in the 76th and 88th minutes to cap a memorable evening.
Born to a German-Bangladeshi mother, Heike, Sullivan traces his Bangladeshi heritage through his grandmother, Sultana Alam.
Sullivan has been rewriting records since signing his first professional deal with his hometown club at 14. On 17 July 2024, he became the youngest player in American professional football history to feature for Philadelphia Union. Now aged 16 years, four months and 29 days, he has added another landmark achievement to his rapidly growing career.
