Cavan Sullivan makes Philadelphia Union debut, becoming youngest player in MLS history
CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- Cavan Sullivan broke Freddy Adu's record, becoming the youngest player in MLS history in his Philadelphia Union debut Wednesday night at Subaru Park against the New England Revolution.
Sullivan, who is 14 years and 293 days old, broke Adu's record by 13 days by stepping onto the pitch with his fellow Union teammates. Adu's record was set on April 3, 2004, after he debuted with D.C. United.
"Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today," Adu wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "That's a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man."
Sullivan said it was "pretty cool" to get a shout-out from Adu following his debut.
Adu played with the Union from 2011 to 2013.
"He really paved the way for young guys like me," Sullivan said. "I only have respect for him because he held the record for however many years. So yeah, obviously pretty awesome to hear from him."
Sullivan entered the Union's 4-1 win over the Revolution just after the 84th-minute mark. Right before he entered, Sullivan's brother, Union attacking midfielder Quinn Sullivan, scored a goal.
After that goal, Cavan Sullivan immediately celebrated with his brother on the pitch. They two did one of their signature handshakes, and it was a moment that the two brothers had been dreaming of for years.
"Pretty amazing moment," Cavan Sullivan said.
Not long after entering, Sullivan tried to follow up on his brother by scoring a goal. In the 93rd minute, he booted his first career shot off his left foot, but the New England goalkeeper saved it.
Union head coach Jim Curtin said Subaru Park might have gone into pandemonium if the shot had hit the back of the net.
"He's special and you could see that tonight," Curtin said. "He's going to get better and better every time he gets minutes. He's going to get better and better as he moves up the levels and eventually moves to Europe. But while we have him, let's enjoy it."
Sullivan signed with the Union in May, becoming the fifth-youngest signing in MLS history and the youngest player in club history. Before signing with the Union, he was initially reported to be signing with Manchester City, where he would not be allowed to play until turning 18 in 2027.
Before his debut with the Union, Sullivan was playing for the Union's affiliate team, Philadelphia Union II. He's made five starts for the club and scored in his last two matches.
Curtin knows Sullivan is a special player, and the Union and his family have a plan for him moving forward as he continues to develop as a professional.
Sullivan, a Norristown native, is just 14 years old, but he's already mature for his age. He's excited that his pro soccer journey began playing alongside brother, and not far from his hometown. He said he's focused on the remainder of the Union season but also has bigger goals in mind.
"It's all about where you finish, not where you start," Sullivan said. "I'm just going to keep working [and] keep developing here, so my main focus is on Philadelphia and our season ahead."
