Cavan Sullivan scored his first Major League Soccer goal for the Philadelphia Union on May 15, marking a milestone in his career since signing with the team at age 14.
The achievement is significant for both Sullivan and the club, as it highlights the progress of a young player within a professional environment. The match saw Sullivan come off the bench to assist on the team’s first goal of the night and later score in the 74th minute.
Reflecting on his performance, Sullivan said, “It was great. I got the ball and I cut it on my left — my favorite foot. Played a ball out to Ben, and I don’t know if it was the first time or second time from him. It was all kind of a blur, but I got the ball back, it slipped past Auggie, and I was just there to put it in.” He continued: “It was a great fight in the second half by these guys, but honestly, it’s not enough. We need three points, or at least a point on the road, and we’ve got to stop giving up late. We’re gonna tighten the screws and turn this thing around, because you fans deserve more, and I promise we’ll be back on top soon.”
When asked about what scoring meant to him after waiting so long for his first league goal since getting minutes with Philadelphia Union’s main squad—a roster made up of professional players according to the official website—Sullivan said: “It means it means a lot, right? I’ve been waiting for this one for a while. Like I just said in another interview, it’s been a year and a half without one in MLS. So, it’s my first since I’ve been getting minutes…I’ve worked on that cutback ball…hundreds of times. So yeah I’m just looking forward to the rest of season and bagging in more.”
Philadelphia Union operates as part of Major League Soccer with its home matches held at Subaru Park—a soccer-dedicated stadium located along Chester’s waterfront—and offers facilities including training centers according to their official website. The club has previously achieved notable honors such as winning Major League Soccer’s Supporters’ Shield in 2020 according to their official website.
Looking ahead before an upcoming World Cup break with two matches remaining—one home game at Subaru Park—the young midfielder emphasized teamwork: “We need to start out games like we finished…just fighting…and scoring goals….I’m not going take this selfishly but yeah this obviously happy day for myself,” he said.
