16-year-old MLS prodigy becomes youngest American to score in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Cavan Sullivan leads Philadelphia Union to 7-0 win over Defence Force FC

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan, hailed as the MLS' teen soccer sensation, delivered an American scoring record with his first professional goals for the Philadelphia Union in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Sullivan scored twice and had two assists to lead the Union to a 7-0 win, becoming the youngest American goalscorer in the tournament's history.

Why it matters

Sullivan's breakout performance at just 16 years old has generated significant hype around the young phenom, who is already being touted as a future Premier League star. His record-setting achievement in the CONCACAF Champions Cup further cements his status as one of the most promising young talents in North American soccer.

The details

Sullivan scored a left-footed blast into the net in the first half, making him the third youngest goalscorer in CONCACAF Champions Cup history. He added an 88th-minute tap-in after starting the attack, helping the Union advance 12-0 on aggregate over Defence Force FC. The 5-foot-7, 150-pound Sullivan led the United States to victory in the 2023 CONCACAF Under-15 Championship, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

  • On February 27, 2026, Sullivan scored twice and had two assists in the Union's 7-0 win over Defence Force FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
  • In July 2024, at 14 years, 293 days, Sullivan made his debut for the Philadelphia Union, believed to be the youngest player to appear in a game for any major North American professional sports league.

The players

Cavan Sullivan

A 16-year-old American soccer prodigy who plays for the Philadelphia Union in MLS. He is considered one of the most promising young talents in North American soccer and is expected to transfer to Premier League club Manchester City in 2027.

Bradley Carnell

The head coach of the Philadelphia Union.

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What they’re saying

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

— Bradley Carnell, Philadelphia Union head coach

“It means a lot. It took a long time in my eyes. I wish I had it sooner. This is a special moment.”

— Cavan Sullivan

“Happy to score my first goal. Two of them, actually. It was pretty special. More important is the clean sheet in the win and we advance.”

— Cavan Sullivan

What’s next

The Union will next play Mexican team Club America in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The takeaway

Cavan Sullivan's record-breaking performance at just 16 years old has cemented his status as one of the most promising young soccer talents in North America, with the potential to become a global star in the near future.