Cavan Sullivan, 14, becomes youngest ever MLS player

@cavan.sull / Instagram

Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to debut in MLS and North American team sports history when he played in Wednesday night's match against the New England Revolution.

Sullivan (14 years, 293 days) passed Freddy Adu (14 years, 306 days) for the MLS mark when he come on as a substitute in the 85th minute of the game. 

Adu had previously set the record for D.C. United in 2004.

"Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record breaking debut today," Adu said in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "That's a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man."

Sullivan entered the match with Philadelphia leading 5-1, which was the final score. His 20-year-brother, Quinn, scored in the 84th minute.

The younger Sullivan took a left-footed shot from outside the box in the third minute of second-half stoppage time but New England goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic made the save.

Cavan Sullivan is a Philadelphia native who is expected to develop into a standout player.

After becoming noteworthy as a teen phenom, Adu made 17 appearances for the U.S. men's national team during his career, scoring two goals.

More from Sports News

  • F1 commission agrees to shorter races from 2027

    The governing FIA's Formula One commission has agreed on Monday to reduce the standard Grand Prix distance from 305km to 290km from 2027, cutting races by two or three laps.

  • Spain extend coach Luis de la Fuente to 2032

    The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced Monday that its board of directors has unanimously approved an extension of coach Luis de la Fuente's contract until 2032.

  • Infantino says he is open to talks over FIFA reform

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed an outside review of how the governing body makes major decisions on Monday, acknowledging in a letter to members that its handling of a now-abandoned investment plan had caused concern.

  • Troubled Marseille lose fifth straight as PSG win

    Captain Marquinhos has snatched the winner as champions Paris St Germain won 2-1 at troubled Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday, condemning the hosts to a fifth successive loss and a spot in the relegation zone.

Blogs