The World Cup is in the rearview mirror, but Cavan Sullivan is already planting seeds for his international future, and he is doing it with some absolutely wild plays. The Philadelphia Union star has notched two goals and two assists in just the last week alone, including a backheel goal that just screams confidence and another where he flat out nutmegged the goalkeeper. Are you kidding me? This kid is on a different level right now.
From Teen Phenom to MLS Threat: Sullivan’s Unstoppable Rise
Sullivan’s recent exploits are just the latest chapter in his meteoric rise, especially since the World Cup break. He is now sitting pretty with five goals and seven assists in 10 games, easily making him one of MLS’s most productive attackers in that stretch. Think about this: he was the youngest player ever to make his MLS debut at 14, and he already has a contract with Manchester City set to kick in when he turns 18. That is not just potential, that is tangible, exciting results on the field right now.
He is not just scoring pretty goals either. Sullivan is a monster in front of goal, ranking in the 91st percentile among attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty expected goals across MLS over the last year. Plus, he is equally gifted at creating chances for his teammates. He is a key piece for a Union squad that was actually below the playoff line before the World Cup, but now? They are definitely in the mix. This outstanding season of his is entirely built on what he has done since the summer pause.
A New Coach, A New Start, and a USMNT Dream
It is clear a coaching change made all the difference for Sullivan. Ex-head coach Bradley Carnell, who was fired during the World Cup break, used Sullivan sparingly. But interim head coach Ryan Richter has had zero hesitation integrating the 16-year-old into his plans since July, and he has done the same with 18-year-old center back Neil Pierre. Richter’s belief in these young stars has clearly paid off big time, and it has Sullivan feeling like he is on the cusp of a call-up to the U.S. men’s national team.
Speaking of international play, Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino is naming his squad for the fall friendlies this week, describing the four game stretch as a “new start” for the national team as they begin the long road to the 2030 World Cup. Meanwhile, across the pond, the EFL Cup kicks off its third round this week, with big Premier League clubs stepping into the fray. Tuesday sees a massive clash as Liverpool goes head-to-head with Tottenham Hotspur at 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time, streaming on Paramount+.
All eyes are going to be on Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino this week when he names his squad for the fall friendlies. If Sullivan’s name is on that list, it would be a huge statement about this “new start” for the national team. Whether he gets the call or not, Cavan Sullivan is undeniably a player to watch, and his trajectory just keeps climbing. Don’t forget to catch Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. It is going to be a wild one.
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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