USMNT, Man City prospect Cavan Sullivan makes first Philadelphia Union senior start, goes 120 minutes in U.S. Open Cup thriller

U.S. men's national team prodigy Cavan Sullivan, 15, earned his first senior start with the Philadelphia Union senior team Wednesday evening in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as they defeated USL Championship side Indy Eleven 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw across regulation and extra-time.

Sullivan has a lucrative deal in place to join Manchester City when he turns 18, though he remains under contract with the Philadelphia Union until then.

During the 2025 MLS season, Sullivan has been named to the bench for every game so far, making three appearances off the bench to total 45 minutes. At the MLS NEXT Pro level, Sullivan has two goals and one assist.

Wednesday evening, across 120 minutes played, Sullivan completed 30 of 40 attempted passes while taking six total shots throughout the game. Three of the six landed on target, while two attempts were blocked. He registered 59 total touches on the ball, with four of them coming in the opposition box.

Defensively, he recorded two tackles on the ball while making five recoveries and winning four of eight ground duels.

The Union's lone regulation goal came from longtime veteran and former U.S. international Alejandro Bedoya, while from the spot, they scored all five attempts. Sullivan did not take a penalty.

Sullivan is reportedly set to train with Manchester City this summer in some capacity, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 15-year-old and the Union have advanced to the next round of the competition, where they will host USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Subaru Park.