Cavan Sullivan’s Record MLS Debut for Union

Cavan Sullivan announced his arrival on the professional stage on Saturday night, becoming the second-youngest player ever to start an MLS match as the Philadelphia Union earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Nashville SC. The 15-year-old USMNT prospect, already earmarked for a future move to Manchester City, played 68 energetic minutes that underlined why Europe’s elite rate him so highly.

Cavan Sullivan dictates tempo from midfield

Tasked with operating on the left side of Jim Curtin’s diamond, Sullivan completed 25 of 29 passes, never shying away from possession against Nashville’s seasoned engine room. One first-half sequence, in which he dropped a shoulder to escape pressure before threading a line-splitting ball to Julián Carranza, drew an appreciative roar from the travelling Union support.

Second-youngest starter in MLS history

Only Freddy Adu, who debuted for D.C. United in 2004, has started an MLS game at a younger age. Sullivan’s inclusion sent his stock soaring once more and offered a glimpse of the developmental pathway Philadelphia has built—one that previously polished current Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson.

Manchester City move already agreed

Under the terms of a pre-contract, the teenager will join the Premier League champions after his 18th birthday. Saturday’s performance hinted that City’s scouting department has struck gold again: Sullivan’s spatial awareness, low centre of gravity and incisive passing all mirror the traits coveted by Pep Guardiola.

Coach and team-mate reactions

“Cavan reads the game like a veteran,” Curtin said post-match. “The challenge now is to keep him grounded.” Captain Alejandro Bedoya praised the youngster’s “fearless mentality”, while Nashville boss Gary Smith admitted Sullivan “didn’t look 15 out there.”

Opinion

Handing real minutes to prodigies can be risky, but Sullivan appears built for the spotlight. If the Union manage his growth carefully, the Sky-Blue future awaiting him in Manchester could be dazzling.