History was made in the Major League Soccer (MLS) on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, as Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player ever to participate in the league. Sullivan made his debut for Philadelphia Union against the New England Revolution, breaking a record that was over a decade old.
Here’s why this record is so significant to the American sporting world.
The Day History Was Made
Philadelphia Union and the New England Revolution were to square off in their 24th and 22nd league matches, respectively. Philadelphia sat bottom of the MLS before the match with 21 points, trailing the Revolutions by just a point.
The match offered an opportunity for the Union to leave the bottom of the table. Also, for new first-team player Cavan Sullivan, it was a great chance to make history.
Cavan Sullivan Makes a Historical Debut
In the 85th minute of the match, league fans were excited to see 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan prepare to come on the pitch. It was going to be his first appearance in a top-flight league game.
Also, he would break the record as the youngest player in Major League Soccer. He was just 14 years, 293 days old – 2 weeks younger than the previous record holder.
Cavan Sullivan Replaces Freddy Adu
When Freddy Adu made his MLS debut for DC United in 2004, he became the youngest player ever in the MLS. Now, 10 years later, he has passed the baton to Cavan Sullivan.
To add some flavor to the day, Cavan Sullivan’s elder brother, 20-year-old Quinn had scored for the Philadelphia Union in the 84th minute, one minute before he came on. Quinn’s goal had taken the score to 5-1 in favor of the Union.
ALSO READ: Kobe Bryant’s Dad Has Reportedly Passed Away at 69
Cavan Sullivan Didn’t Disappoint
The record-breaking young footballer replaced Tai Boribo and made quite an impression for the short time he spent on the pitch. He made a number of great touches as the match winded down.
He even came close to scoring as he took his first shot on goal in the final minute of injury time. Unfortunately, Union goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic produced a save that looked easy.
Adu Congratulates Cavan Sullivan
Apparently, Cavan Sullivan wasn’t the only record-breaker who was excited with his achievement. Freddy Adu, who is now 35, expressed his happiness on his social media page.
“Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today,” he wrote. “That’s a hard record to break, and the kid did it. Well done and good luck, my man,” he added. Adu made his own debut at 14 years and 306 days old.
Cavan Sullivan is Overjoyed
Speaking about his historic feat, Cavan Sullivan said, “This is just the start. I am really happy to have done this, but it is honestly the first box checked off.”
However, Cavan Sullivan downplayed the moment a little bit. He told the press that he is more concerned about how his career would end. “I know it is all about where you finish, not where you start,” he stated.
He Spoke About The Goal and the Record
Cavan Sullivan also talked about his brother’s goal happening on the same night he broke the record. “It was absolute chaos. Awesome goal from him, great finish,” he said.
“I think the combo of his goal and me coming in as a sub was complete anarchy. Honestly, it was one of the loudest things I have ever heard. The stadium was electric,” he added.
ALSO READ: Authorities Record Fatalities in Shooting Incident During Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Celebration
The Record Goes Beyond the MLS
Cavan Sullivan’s record means that he is not only the youngest player to participate in a soccer league but also the youngest in any major professional sports league in the world.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, since the 1970s, no younger player has played in the NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL, WNBA, or major league baseball. Andrew Bynum, who first played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005, debuted at 18 years and 6 days to hold the NBA record.
Cavan Sullivan Is Younger Than Other Similar Record Holders
According to FBRef.com, before Cavan Sullivan broke the record, Ethan Nwaneri was the youngest player to debut in any of the five biggest soccer leagues in the world since at least 1988.
He made his first English Premier League appearance for Arsenal Football Club at 15 years, 181 days in 2022. It was a match against Brentford Football Club that Arsenal won 3-0.
Cavan Sullivan Will Move to Manchester City in a Few Years
The younger Sullivan himself is set to move over to the prestigious English Premier League. He will join league giants Manchester City when he turns 18. Cavan Sullivan signed for Philadelphia Union in May as a midfielder. It was one of the biggest homegrown talent deals in the MLS.
“I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team,” he told sports journalists back then.
Cavan Sullivan Background
The promising Cavan Sullivan was born on September 28, 2009, in Philadelphia. His parents both played soccer and so, naturally, wanted their son to do the same.
As a result, he joined the Union’s youth academy in 2020 after spending two years playing for FC Delco. He has also played five times for the United States under-15 national team. The future is looking very bright for the youngster.
You Might Also Like:
Is Popular Streetwear Brand Supreme Getting a New Owner?
Sandra Denton Addresses Viral Video of Her Getting Kicked Off a Southwest Airlines Flight
“SpongeBob SquarePants” Turns 25! Meet the Voices Behind the Characters
Michael Strahan’s Daughter Announces She’s Cancer-Free
“Are We Done With Our Drama Yet?” Miranda Lambert Rages at Fans
