Cavan Sullivan’s impressive start with Philadelphia Union II has moved him one step closer to making his first team debut.
Sullivan will be part of Jim Curtin’s 20-player roster for Wednesday’s MLS showdown with the New England Revolution. The 14-year-old has scored in back-to-back appearances with Union II, helping Marlon LeBlanc’s squad remain top of the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings.
After signing a homegrown contract with the Union earlier this year, Sullivan has remained a highly touted prospect within the organization. Now, he will have his opportunity on Wednesday at Subaru Park to earn his first taste of MLS minutes in front of the home supporters.
“Tomorrow he will be in the 20 because he’s earned that,” Curtin said Tuesday in his prematch press conference. “If you look at his performances in the Union II games, the goals that he has scored, Cavan has earned the right. The next step is working to get your first minutes and that might be one minute, might be 15 minutes or that might be 90 minutes, but you have to earn it.”
The Union have struggled for most of the season, sitting last in the East with 21 points. Injuries and a lack of form have certainly hurt Philadelphia, while the transfer of star forward Julian Carranza to Feyenoord hasn’t helped their cause.
However, excitement has followed Sullivan throughout his time in the Union academy, which could provide a spark during the second half of the league season. Should Sullivan feature against the Revs, he will break Freddy Adu’s record of being the youngest player to feature in an MLS match.
A victory in Chester would propel the Union in front of the Revs heading into their final MLS match before the start of the Leagues Cup schedule.
