Sullivan refuses to pause — and powers the Union’s revival

When Philadelphia Union’s first team took a break during the World Cup, Cavan Sullivan chose a different path. The 16-year-old had already established himself as a starter, but instead of training alone or taking time off, he asked to continue working with Union II.

That decision reflected both his ambition and his appetite for improvement. “During the World Cup, he was an animal in the way he trained,” Union sporting director Jon Scheer told The Athletic. Sullivan also asked to play in a Union II friendly against Ivory Coast and impressed against a physical side.

A central figure in Philadelphia’s turnaround

The Union’s season had begun disastrously after the club fell from first in 2025 to 30th in 2026, leading to the dismissal of head coach Bradley Carnell. Since the team returned from its break, however, Philadelphia has won all three of its MLS matches, with Sullivan playing a central role.

He started seven consecutive matches across all competitions before being rested for a dead rubber in the Leagues Cup. The decision was designed to keep him fresh for the more important league fixture that followed — a sign that the teenager is now being managed as an important first-team player rather than simply a prospect.

“He’s played with a lot of intent and confidence, he’s earned everything he’s got so far and is hungry for more,” Scheer said.

Fearless on the ball

Sullivan’s most obvious quality remains his directness. The winger attacks defenders with short, sharp movements, switches comfortably between flanks and uses sudden bursts of speed to create separation. His 5.1 take-ons per 90 minutes rank seventh among MLS players this season.

In a recent comeback win over Atlanta United, Sullivan received a pass from Kai Wagner, immediately challenged his defender and drove toward the byline. When his route was blocked, he sold a dummy, cut inside and fed Jovan Lukić near the edge of the penalty area. Soon afterward, he found space on the opposite flank, shifted inside and sent a low effort toward the far corner.

He has also shown a willingness to shoot from distance. Sullivan has attempted 11 long-range shots this season, with 10 coming after moving onto his stronger left foot. Although he is still waiting for his first senior goal from outside the box, his clean striking technique suggests that threat may develop quickly.

Progress still comes with risks

The same attacking instinct that makes Sullivan dangerous can also lead to mistakes. Around one in four of his passes are classified as progressive, while almost nine percent of his carries include a take-on — the fourth-highest rate in the division. He is constantly looking to move the opposition backward, but that ambition can result in overplaying or forcing a final action.

Against Seattle, he ignored an overlapping run, carried the ball too far toward the flank and saw his effort comfortably saved. On another occasion, his older brother and teammate Quinn Sullivan showed his frustration after Cavan chose to go alone and took himself too wide.

Those errors are part of the development process. Sullivan’s decision-making needs refinement, but his willingness to attempt difficult actions gives Philadelphia a creative edge that cannot easily be coached into a player.

“We want Cavan to be Cavan”

Interim head coach Ryan Richter and his staff have given Sullivan room to express himself while demanding discipline without the ball and within the team’s structure. That balance has helped him contribute beyond spectacular moments, including through pressing and high-energy defensive work.

“They’ve allowed Cavan to be different and special in moments of the game while still having standards and expectations of him within the team,” Scheer said. “But we want Cavan to be Cavan.”

Sullivan already has a pre-agreed transfer to Manchester City for when he turns 18, but his immediate focus is on becoming a more complete MLS player. “As well as he’s playing for such a young player, he’s got more in him,” Scheer said. “And he knows that. He wants to get better.”

For a teenager who has spent years under an intense spotlight, the clearest sign of progress may be his response to results. “He’s happy when we win and when we lose, no matter how he plays, he’s not happy,” Scheer said. “That’s a really good sign for years to come.”