With a bit more playing time and a lot more productivity, the substance is beginning to match the hype for Cavan Sullivan.The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union rising star, who already has a deal to join Manchester City when he turns 18, scored and assisted in his side’s 3-1 Leagues Cup win over Liga MX’s Necaxa on Sunday night, continuing a surge in form that has come with greater first-team opportunity. Sullivan has started 10 of the Union’s last 11 matches across all competitions, including all five since the World Cup break under interim manager Ryan Richter, and he has two goals and four assists in that time to show for it.Sullivan wasted little time against Necaxa, surging into the center with a stepover before slotting out a pass wide right for Nathan Harriel, who scored the opener in the third minute.
Hot start from the Boys in Blue 🔵#DOOP | 🔔1-0🔴 pic.twitter.com/3hcHvzNYku
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) August 9, 2026He then got his own tally in the 53rd minute, just the fourth of his career in all competitions, by chesting down a cross from Indiana Vassilev at the back post and quickly scoring with his left off the bounce. It was his first Leagues Cup goal, to go with two in the Concacaf Champions Cup and one in MLS, all this season. He exited the match in the 60th minute, with the result well in hand.
