Cavan Sullivan makes MLS history as Philadelphia Union continue unstoppable form | MLSSoccer.com

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 15, 2026

Meteoric increase continues

There might be no larger story in American soccer today than Sullivan.

The Union went into halftime down an objective however up a male after Chicago protector Jack Elliott got a 2nd yellow card. Union striker Milan Iloski connected it in the 49th minute, and minutes later on, Sullivan teed up Bruno Damiani to take the lead. The visitors never ever recalled.

With the help, Sullivan went beyond Diego Fagúndez’s longstanding record for the many objective contributions in a season by a teen. He’s likewise level with Lionel Messi and others with 14 helps, one behind league leader Son Heung-Min (LAFC).

“His work rate’s been terrific, his imagination’s been excellent, now he’s been actually definitive,” Richter stated. “It’s been for a long stretch now, so he is worthy of that, and we’re happy of him.”

Can not stop smiling pic.twitter.com/hFnmCMi7tB– Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 15, 2026

Never ever pleased

Even after the Union’s 8th succeeding win and his 16th objective contribution in 10 video games, Sullivan appeared unhappy. The 17-year-old homegrown star, who has actually turned heads for his MLS kind and United States guys’s nationwide group exploits, left the video game desiring more, regardless of the favorable outcome and record.

“I played sort of dreadful tonight, so I’m not truly concentrated on any records or statistics like that, to be truthful,” Sullivan stated.

“I’m delighted with the win, however I’ve sort of got to search in the mirror and view some movie and see what I need to do much better. I’m not actually pleased with my individual efficiency, however, like I stated, fantastic win.”

“His mindset is excellent,” Union and USMNT center back Neil Pierre stated. “Obviously, he believes he can do much better, however certainly we support him in any method possible.”

Sullivan’s appetite is a primary driving force behind the Union’s impressive turn-around in the 2nd half of the season, which saw them climb up from the bottom of the East in July to within touching range of the conference’s leading groups.

With crucial tests versus Charlotte, New England and Nashville still to come this month, the Union train is including a lot more fuel to an engine that currently appears borderline unstoppable.

“It’s a fantastic run, something that we’re happy of,” Richter stated. “It’s something that the guys have actually made due to the fact that of the manner in which they work every day, the manner in which they’re focused, the manner in which they approach video games, the grunt work that they’re prepared to devote to throughout the video games.”

14th straight unbeaten on the 14th pic.twitter.com/zehsXMVN4w– Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 15, 2026

Signature win?

The win over Chicago is particularly significant. Gregg Berhalter’s group entered upon a three-game winning streak, had actually adequately beat Philadelphia previously in the season, and might still face them in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.

It’s likewise the very first time this season that the Union have actually beat a top-four group in the East, including genuine compound to their quickly enhancing MLS Cup provided by Audi qualifications.

“I believe we’ve constantly had the self-confidence,” Pierre stated. “Now the other groups and everybody else can see that we’re able to beat the leading groups.”

“People question the Philadelphia Union,” Sullivan stated. “They wish to state that we’re just beating bottom-of-the-table groups. We were when at the bottom of the table. We’re simply showing it week in and week out and hoping to keep this thing rolling.”