Cavan Sullivan Makes History As Youngest MLS Player In Union’s 5-1 Victory Over Revolution

Cavan Sullivan, at just 14 years and 293 days, made history by replacing Tai Baribo in the 85th minute, shattering the previous record by 13 days.

New Delhi: Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to appear in an MLS match, Tai Baribo netted his first career hat-trick, and Kai Wagner added three assists to lead the Philadelphia Union to a 5-1 triumph over the New England Revolution, ending their 10-match winless streak on Wednesday night.

Sullivan, at just 14 years and 293 days old, replaced Baribo in the 85th minute, breaking the record by 13 days. Freddy Adu held the previous mark at 14 years and 306 days when he debuted for DC United in 2004.

Baribo gave Philadelphia (5-10-9) a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute, heading in a goal assisted by Jack Elliott and Wagner.

Jakob Glesnes doubled the lead in the 39th minute, scoring his first goal of the season off a pass from fellow defender Wagner.

The moment 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan made history. pic.twitter.com/7MuOWQMQgb

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024

Baribo scored again just five minutes later, giving Philadelphia a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime. Mikael Uhre contributed his third assist, while Alejandro Bedoya notched his fourth.

Ian Harkes netted the lone goal for the Revolution (7-14-1) in the 50th minute, his first of the season, assisted by Esmir Bajraktarevic, who earned his third career assist.

Baribo completed his hat trick two minutes later, bringing his tally to seven goals in seven starts and 11 appearances this season. Last season, he had no goal contributions in one start and five appearances. Wagner registered his 10th assist, while Elliott added his third on Baribo’s final goal.

Quinn Sullivan capped the scoring for the Union in the 84th minute, assisted by Glesnes. It marked Sullivan’s third goal this season and Glesnes’s third assist.

Goalkeeper Andre Blake made his return from a meniscus injury, though he did not have a save for the Union. It was his fifth start of the season and his first since April 27, a 2-1 home loss to Real Salt Lake.

Aljaž Ivačič finished with three saves in goal for the Revolution.

Philadelphia won for just the second time in its past 18 matches. The Union’s other victory was a 3-0 road win over the Revolution.

The Revolution returns home to play FC Dallas on Saturday. The Union will host Nashville SC on Saturday.