Cavan Sullivan, all of 16 years old, is reportedly set for his first senior call-up to the U.S. men’s national team this Thursday, and if you haven’t been paying attention, you’ve missed him putting up five goals and seven assists since the World Cup break. That’s 12 goal contributions in 10 MLS games, making him one of the hottest players on the pitch right now and absolutely filling that attention vacuum that opened up after a North America-set World Cup. The hype around this kid is absolutely insane, and it’s for real.
This Kid Is Playing Messi-Level Ball, Seriously
It’s not just the sheer volume of his output, though. Sullivan is tied for first in goal contributions post-World Cup with none other than Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi. Let that sink in for a second: a 16-year-old kid is on the same stat line as a legend who had already collected three LaLiga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies before Sullivan was even born. What’s even wilder is Sullivan apparently didn’t even know about that commonality. He was swarmed with attention at the EA Sports FC 27 launch party, but he seemed totally unfazed by it all. His focus? “I’m just working to develop my game and get better day by day and hopefully keep proving myself, proving [to] the world what I can do in the games and just having fun,” he said. That’s the mindset of a true baller.
The Union’s Unbeaten Streak Is No Coincidence
Sullivan’s personal hot streak is totally intertwined with the Philadelphia Union’s insane 10-game unbeaten run, which he admits is “pretty special.” He’s making those moments count, even pulling off a backheel goal and nutmegging a goalkeeper in San Diego recently. For Sullivan, the wins are what matter most, calling the goal contributions a natural outcome of playing the games. It’s been a quick rise for the youngest player to ever debut in MLS at just 14. Interim head coach Ryan Richter, who took the reins after Bradley Carnell was fired before the World Cup, handed Sullivan a bigger role this summer, and the kid has absolutely delivered. He attributes his success to a real “spirit” or “vibe shift” in the Union locker room.
The official USMNT squad drops Thursday, and everyone is waiting to see if Sullivan’s name is on it. A 16-year-old making waves like this, unfazed by the spotlight and just “having fun” while tying Messi in stats? The future of US Soccer is getting wild, folks, and Sullivan is at the heart of it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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