16-year-old Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest American goalscorer in Champions Cup history

Sullivan scored a late-game brace to help Philadelphia Union defeat Trinidad and Tobago's Defence Force F.C. 7-0

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Cavan Sullivan, a 16-year-old midfielder for the Philadelphia Union, became the youngest American to score in the Concacaf Champions Cup history when he netted two goals in the team's 7-0 rout of Defence Force F.C. from Trinidad and Tobago. The win secured a 12-0 aggregate victory for the Union, who will now host Liga MX's Club América in the Round of 16.

Why it matters

At just 16 years old, Sullivan is considered a rising star in American soccer, having already made his MLS debut at 14 and helped the U.S. win the 2023 Concacaf U-15 Championship. His record-breaking performance in the Champions Cup highlights his immense potential and the bright future of American soccer.

The details

Sullivan scored his two goals in the late stages of the match to cap off the Union's dominant performance. The win sends the Union to the Champions Cup Round of 16, where they will host Mexican powerhouse Club América on March 10. Sullivan, who is just 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, has been touted as a wunderkind and is expected to join Premier League club Manchester City when he turns 18 in 2027.

  • Sullivan made his MLS debut in July 2014 at the age of 14 years and 293 days, becoming the youngest player to ever appear in an MLS game.
  • On February 27, 2026, the 16-year-old Sullivan scored twice in the Union's 7-0 win over Defence Force F.C. to become the youngest American to score in Concacaf Champions Cup history.
  • The Union will host Club América in the Champions Cup Round of 16 on March 10, 2026.

The players

Cavan Sullivan

A 16-year-old midfielder for the Philadelphia Union who became the youngest American to score in the Concacaf Champions Cup history.

Philadelphia Union

The MLS club that Cavan Sullivan plays for, who defeated Trinidad and Tobago's Defence Force F.C. 7-0 in the Champions Cup to advance to the Round of 16.

Defence Force F.C.

The club from Trinidad and Tobago that was defeated 7-0 by the Philadelphia Union in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Club América

The Liga MX club that the Philadelphia Union will host in the Champions Cup Round of 16 on March 10, 2026.

Bradley Carnell

The head coach of the Philadelphia Union.

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What they’re saying

“It means a lot. It took a long time in my eyes. I wish it happened sooner. But no, this is a special moment for me, the family and the team.”

— Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)

“It's another moment in the right direction.”

— Bradley Carnell, Philadelphia Union head coach (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The Philadelphia Union will host Liga MX's Club América in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 on March 10, 2026.

The takeaway

Cavan Sullivan's record-breaking performance in the Champions Cup at just 16 years old underscores the immense potential of American soccer talent and the bright future of the sport in the United States.