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Chester Today
By the People, for the People
Cavan Sullivan's Double Goals Ignite Union's Champions Cup Win
16-year-old midfielder's historic performance powers 7-0 rout of Defence Force F.C.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Cavan Sullivan scored two goals and recorded two assists to lead the Philadelphia Union to a dominant 7-0 victory over Defence Force F.C. in the Champions Cup. The 16-year-old midfielder's performance made him the youngest player to ever score in the Champions Cup, highlighting his emergence as a top prospect for the club.
Why it matters
Sullivan's breakout game showcases the Union's impressive depth and youth development, as the club continues to produce top talent like the highly regarded midfielder who is set to join Manchester City in 2027. The lopsided win also advances the Union to the Champions Cup round of 16, where they will face the challenge of Liga MX powerhouse Club América.
The details
In addition to Sullivan's brace, the Union received goals from Stas Korzeniowski (2), Geiner Martínez, Jovan Lukić, and Ben Bender in the resounding 7-0 victory. The team's well-rounded attack was on full display, building on their 5-0 aggregate advantage from the first leg to cruise into the next round of the Champions Cup.
- Cavan Sullivan scored his first goal in the 76th minute.
- Cavan Sullivan scored his second goal in the 88th minute.
- The match was played on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
The players
Cavan Sullivan
A 16-year-old midfielder for the Philadelphia Union who is considered a highly regarded prospect and is set to join Manchester City in 2027.
Stas Korzeniowski
A former Penn standout who scored two goals for the Union in the match.
Geiner Martínez
A centerback and recent offseason acquisition for the Union who scored the opening goal in the 7th minute.
Jovan Lukić
A Union player who converted a penalty kick in the 10th minute after being fouled in the box.
Ben Bender
A Union player who scored a goal in the match.
What they’re saying
“Happy to score my first goal. Two of them, actually. It was pretty special.”
— Cavan Sullivan
“It was a good statement from us as a club. Just to be able to play all the young guys and get rewarded, and guys getting goals and contributions.”
— Bradley Carnell, Union manager
What’s next
The Union will look to carry this momentum into their next Major League Soccer home game against New York City FC this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on Apple TV. In the Champions Cup, the Union's journey continues with a high-profile round of 16 encounter against Club América, with the first leg taking place at Subaru Park on March 10 and the decisive away game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on March 18.
The takeaway
Cavan Sullivan's breakout performance, becoming the youngest player to score in Champions Cup history, highlights the Philadelphia Union's impressive youth development and the club's ability to produce top talent. The team's well-rounded attack and dominant win over Defence Force F.C. sets the stage for a highly anticipated Champions Cup showdown against Mexican powerhouse Club América.
