Getty Picture / Andrew Katsamnes
These previous couple of childhood summers earlier than you get sufficiently old to work through the summer time are a few of the greatest instances of being a child. You have got some freedom and have mainly no obligations. For 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan, his summer time appears loads totally different.
Sullivan is a Philadelphia-area soccer prodigy that has already signed a take care of Manchester Metropolis for when he turns eighteen. However, there’s no approach his expertise can wait that lengthy to play top-division soccer towards senior professionals.
On Wednesday night time, Sullivan made historical past, changing into the youngest participant in MLS historical past to play in an official match when he subbed on for his hometown Philadelphia Union.
Cavan Sullivan makes his MLS debut for Philadelphia Union at 14 years and 293 days ????
He turns into the youngest participant ever to debut among the many prime North American skilled sports activities leagues (MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL).
(by way of @MLS)pic.twitter.com/nQkmNOFGW8
— B/R Soccer (@brfootball) July 18, 2024
In case you’re questioning about Freddy Adu, Sullivan is 13 days youthful than Freddy Adu was when he debuted in 2004.
Not solely is Cavan Sullivan the youngest debutante in MLS historical past, however this makes him the youngest debutant in any main American sports activities league. That’s a ridiculous accomplishment.
However, we’re speaking a few ridiculous younger man. Whereas most children his age are on the point of enter the ninth grade and make their highschool soccer groups,
The 5-foot-7 midfielder is already getting issues executed for USA Soccer, as he was on the 15U Nationwide Staff that received the CONCACAF Championship in 2023. Whereas he’s eligible to play for Germany and Bangladesh by way of his mom, it’s anticipated he’ll rep the celebs and stripes on the subsequent stage.
Each of his dad and mom had been soccer stars at Penn, and his brother, Quinn, is a midfielder for Philadelphia Union who might get himself into the combo for the 2026 World Cup USMNT squad. That 2026 World Cup might be too quickly for Cavan. He would solely be 16. However, do the maths.
For now, as his associates spend the summer time on the Jersey Shore, Sullivan shall be taking part in professional soccer.
Philadelphia battered the New England Revolution, 5-1.
