Cavan Sullivan made history on Saturday, becoming the youngest player to ever appear in an MLS game at just 15 years old. The talented midfielder was brought on as a substitute in the 87th minute of the match between FC Dallas and LA Galaxy, breaking the record previously held by Freddy Adu who made his debut at 14 years old. This achievement not only showcases Sullivan's immense talent but also highlights the growing trend of young players making their mark in professional soccer.
Breaking records at such a young age is no small feat and speaks volumes about Sullivan's dedication to his craft. His hard work and determination have clearly paid off, as he now finds himself in the history books alongside some of the greatest players to have ever played in Major League Soccer. This milestone will undoubtedly serve as motivation for other young players looking to make their mark on the sport.
Sullivan was 14 years, 293 days old, when he entered Philadelphia's home game as a substitute in the 85th minute against the New England Revolution. That makes him about two weeks younger than Freddy Adu when he made his MLS debut in 2004 for DC United.
Sullivan made his debut moments after his brother, 20-year-old Quinn, scored a goal to put Philadelphia up 5-1.
The US youth international, widely regarded among the top 2009-born players in the world, inked the largest-ever homegrown deal on May 9. At 14 years and 224 days, he became the fifth-youngest signing in MLS history.
At his signing, Sullivan said: "I think it would be cool to obviously have my first record, but it doesn't really matter to me if I beat it or not. I mean, everyone's on their own journey. It's not really where you start, it's about where you finish."
Philadelphia was not authorized to discuss details about the built-in transfer to Man City, but Sullivan confirmed to ESPN that Man City's involvement contributed to his decision to sign with his hometown club. His older brother Quinn, 20, has been a first-team player since 2021.
Cavan Sullivan's record-breaking debut is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport of soccer. As he continues on his journey in professional soccer, he will no doubt inspire other young players to chase their dreams and break barriers of their own. His achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a milestone for youth development in soccer that will surely leave a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.
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