ไทย
English
中國人
The next generation of U.S. men's national team talent may have been on full display at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on Saturday evening, as young American stars shone in Philadelphia Union's 3–1 victory over Red Bull New York.
Cavan Sullivan became the first 16-year-old in MLS history to record a goal contribution in four consecutive matches after firing in a stunning strike to extend his team's advantage. Shortly after, 18-year-old Neil Pierre, the Union's imposing 6'7" center back, netted his fourth goal of the season from a free-kick.
For Sullivan, however, the goal stood as the finest of his budding career.
The winger used a delicate first touch to control the pass from Danley Jean Jacques, before cutting inside, leaving his marker behind and firing a shot into the bottom corner. Though it came at nearly 3 a.m. U.K. time, it may have roused some excited Manchester City fans across the pond, with the youngster set to join the Premier League club once he reaches 18.
Cavan Sullivan, that's a BEAUTY 🤩
The 16-year-old scores in back-to-back games to double the @PhilaUnion lead! pic.twitter.com/xEPIrxMb5M
"The goal he scored is exactly what he is capable of," Union interim manager Ryan Richter said of Sullivan's effort, on a night when the youngster also led all players with five completed dribbles. "In those one-on-one situations, he is simply different, and we want to give him the freedom to express his game."
With the goal, Sullivan continued to etch his name into the record books early in his professional journey, as his 10th goal contribution of the season drew him level with Freddy Adu for the most by a player aged 16 or younger in a single MLS season. With 12 regular-season matches still to play, he looks certain to surpass that mark.
Sullivan and Pierre were among five Union homegrown players who featured in the victory, as they overcame a Red Bull side that included teenage talents 18-year-old striker Julian Hall, fresh from signing a new four-year contract, and 17-year-old midfielder Adri Mehmeti.
FOURTH goal of the season for 6'7" center back Neil Pierre 🙌@PhilaUnion are dominating New York! pic.twitter.com/YoyYqLk7hm
Meanwhile, the result extended Richter's impressive unbeaten run in MLS, as he went seven regular-season games without a loss since stepping into the interim role following the club's split with 2025 MLS Coach of the Year Bradley Carnell back in May.
"I give enormous credit to [Richter]," Sullivan said. "I think the guys will tell you the locker room lost some of its energy in the first half of the season, and he has definitely brought that back. There's a new energy and a new spirit about us... It's consistent every week now; it's no longer something new."
The victory moved the Union to 24 points, just one behind the ninth and final Eastern Conference MLS Cup playoff berth, currently occupied by an Orlando City side that shared a thrilling 3–3 draw with Minnesota United on Saturday.
Sullivan Not Focused on USMNT Call
With standout performances from the young talents of both the Union and Red Bull, the argument for inclusions in Mauricio Pochettino's U.S. men's national team squad for four friendlies in September and October continues to strengthen.
At the winger position, the USMNT lacks significant depth, making Sullivan a viable option—while Pierre could serve as a depth piece as the team transitions away from veterans like 2026 World Cup captain and central defender Tim Ream.
Unbelievable goal from the future star Cavan Sullivan 👀🇺🇸💫 pic.twitter.com/UclLLGG6ID
"I'm not really thinking about the call-up situation, but I'm pleased that we're picking up wins and that I'm contributing," Sullivan said regarding the speculation surrounding a potential call-up for friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. "The goals and assists are coming. I'm just trying to keep this momentum going."
Whether or not a national team call-up arrives for Sullivan in the coming weeks, he continues to perform at a teenage level unseen since Alphonso Davies burst onto the scene with the Vancouver Whitecaps a decade ago. Already rewriting the record books, Saturday night was extraordinary — yet merely the latest chapter in what promises to be a remarkable story ahead.