Bangladeshi-origin footballer Cavan Sullivan produced another special moment as Philadelphia Union beat Red Bull New York 3-1 on Sunday.
The 16 year old scored a stunning goal to help Philadelphia extend their unbeaten run in MLS to seven matches.
Sullivan has now scored in back to back games. His latest performance has also increased talk about a possible first call up to the United States national team.
“The goal that he scored, it is what he is capable of doing,” Philadelphia interim head coach Ryan Richter said.
“It is in these one versus one situations that he is different. And we want to give him the freedom to express himself.”
Sullivan was not the only young Philadelphia player to impress.
Neil Pierre scored in the 65th minute. The 18 year old defender now has four goals and one assist in seven appearances since the 2026 FIFA World Cup break.
Eric Maxim Choupo Moting scored Red Bull New York’s only goal in the 74th minute.
Attention will now turn towards the next international window. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino will select his squad as the United States begin their journey towards the 2030 World Cup.
The US are set to face Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
Sullivan, however, said he is not thinking too much about a possible call up.
“I am not really focused on the whole call up thing. But I am happy that we are winning games and that I am making a difference,” Sullivan said.
“The goals and assists are coming. I am just trying to keep this momentum.”
His latest goal also put him alongside Freddy Adu in the MLS record books.
Sullivan now has 10 goal contributions this season with three goals and seven assists. He matched Adu’s record for the most goal contributions in a single MLS season by a player aged 16 or younger.
Sullivan has also recorded a goal contribution in four straight MLS matches.
That equals the longest such run by a player under 18. Ricardo Pepi achieved the feat in 2021, while Diego Fagundez did it in 2013.
Philadelphia are now unbeaten in seven MLS matches, winning five and drawing two.
Richter believes Sullivan has earned the trust of his teammates and deserves the freedom to make things happen.
“We want to give him the freedom to express himself and, honestly, he has gained the respect of his teammates,” Richter said.
“They also give him the freedom that he can go into these moments, because he can create something out of nothing.”
