Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest in US major sports to make pro debut

Sullivan — who signed with the Philadelphia Union on May 9 — came on as a substitute in the 85th minute in the Union‘s 5-1 win against the New England Revolution on Wednesday night. Sullivan entered the game moments after a goal from his brother, Quinn, gave the Union a four-goal lead. Sullivan had a shot on goal in the 93rd minute, but the attempt from outside the 18-yard box was saved by Revolution goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.

Sullivan made his debut at 14 years and 293 days old, making him younger than Freddy Adu was when Adu made his debut for D.C. United in 2004 (14 years, 306 days old).

The victory was the first for the Union since May 18 and the first at home since March 30. The team entered Wednesday night’s match riding a 10-game winless streak, a slump that had pushed Philadelphia into an unfamiliar spot — the cellar of the Eastern Conference. The Union have been one of the league’s powerhouse teams in recent years. Philadelphia qualified for the MLS playoffs in the previous six seasons, won the 2020 Supporters’ Shield, lost in an epic 2022 MLS championship game and competed in the Concacaf Champions League in three of the previous four years, including this season.