Cavan Sullivan ties Freddy Adu’s record with incredible golazo | OneFootball

By Jaime Uribarri

Cavan Sullivan’s remarkable career rise hit a historic milestone on Saturday.

The Philadelphia Union’s 16-year-old phenom scored the stunning game-winning goal in a 3-1 victory at Red Bull New York, grabbing the spotlight with his latest star-making moment. 

In the process, Sullivan reached 10 goal contributions (3g/7a), tying Freddy Adu for most by a 16-year-old or younger in a single MLS season. 

Sullivan has also excelled in Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup play this season, producing a total of 6g/11a in 26 matches during a breakout 2026 campaign.

USMNT watch

Saturday's showing provided the latest platform for Sullivan to further grow his profile as one of MLS's top young stars with sights on the US men's national team. 

Fellow Union homegrown and USMNT prospect Neil Pierre also got in on the action at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The 18-year-old sealed the result with a 65th-minute sliding back-post tap-in, making it 4g/1a in just seven games since being named a starter, alongside Sullivan, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. 

Philly's youth exploits came at the expense of a Red Bulls side that also boasts rising stars like 18-year-old Julian Hall and 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti.

HIGHLIGHTS: Red Bull New York vs. Philadelphia Union | August 29, 2026