Cavan Sullivan Sets MLS Teenage Mark in Philadelphia Union Win

Cavan Sullivan added another milestone to his young Major League Soccer career on Saturday, scoring as Philadelphia Union defeated CF Montreal 2-0. The Guardian reported that Sullivan became the youngest player in MLS history to register a goal contribution in five consecutive matches.

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Sullivan was 16 years and 342 days old when he found the net in the 75th minute. The goal was his third in as many league matches and extended a productive five-game stretch in which he has recorded three goals and three assists.

The midfielder's season totals now stand at four goals and seven assists, giving him 11 goal contributions. According to the Guardian's report, that is the highest total produced by a 16-year-old in MLS history. Sullivan moved past Freddy Adu's previous mark of four goals and six assists, set in 2005.

Sullivan marked the goal by imitating LeBron James' familiar chalk-toss celebration. James recently joined the Philadelphia 76ers, and Sullivan said after the match that the idea had been waiting for the right moment. He explained that the Union's photographer had held chalk for him at several games before Saturday's home crowd provided the opportunity.

The latest record follows Sullivan's landmark MLS debut in July 2024. He entered Philadelphia's match against the New England Revolution at 14 years and 293 days, becoming the youngest player to debut in a major North American team sport. That appearance surpassed Adu's previous record of 14 years and 306 days, established with DC United in 2004.

Saturday's contribution underlined Sullivan's growing role in Philadelphia's attack. His six combined goals and assists over the past five league matches account for more than half of his season total, while his scoring streak has now reached three games. The Union also secured a clean-sheet victory over Montreal as Sullivan continued a season that has already placed him at the top of two MLS age-related record lists.