Philadelphia Union
Cavan Sullivan breaks out in dominant Philadelphia Union win
A rotated Union side bowled over Defence Force F.C. without much fuss on Thursday night, winning the second leg of the tie 7-0. The match was full of Union firsts; Stas Korzeniowski scored his first two Union goals, Geiner Martinez and Ben Bender scored their first Union goal, and Sal Olivas collected his first Union assist.
However, the match was taken over by the 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who collected his first two goals with the Union with two assists to go along with it.
Bradley Carnell spoke about the budding star’s performance. “It’s good, it’s another moment in the right direction… I’m still very critical in certain moments, when you can find teammates, but I thought he worked his way back into the game,” Carnell said. “He tries in the final third to make every moment a moment that counts, which is great! We like that about Cavan. I always challenge him to find the balance to when to choose which is the right moment. It’s like a
contractor with a toolbox. What do I need when?”
Despite Sullivan’s breakout performance, Carnell recognizes he is dealing with a great talent that still has plenty of room for development and improvement when it comes to decision making. Sullivan’s second half was much improved on his first half, and Carnell commended Sullivan for that as well. “You carry on, you reset and
find ways to build your confidence back and get back in the game. I thought he did an excellent job of hitting the reset button, and he gets rewarded with the two assists and two goals. Congrats to him, he’s on the right path.”
The young Sullivan spoke about his breakout performance, including his first goals, after the match. “It was pretty special. More importantly, we got the clean sheet and the win, and we advance,” Sullivan replied. “We understand we have a big game, big opponent next round, with América… so, we’re ready.”
Sullivan’s performance was the cherry on top of the Union’s first round success. A two-legged tie in the Round of 16 against Club América, the record Concacaf Champions with seven continental titles.
Cavan mentioned that his family was in attendance for the match. “Everybody was here. Grandpa, Grandma, mom, dad, Quinn, and the twins were at home watching… but I know they were watching, so it’s all good… it embodies what we’re always about, and being there for each other. You know, being there when we’re down, but also when we’re up. So I’m thankful that they were all here to watch me play. I dedicated this to them because without them, I wouldn’t be
here.”
Sullivan’s fourth Union start in all competitions came alongside familiar teammates. Sullivan played minutes for Philadelphia Union II alongside Andrew Rick, Olwethu Makhanya, Giovanny Sequera, Sal Olivas, Malik Jakupovic, and Stas Korzeniowski. Sequera and Jakupovic were called up on short-term contracts, making their first appearances for the Union’s first team.
“It’s proof of development,” Sullivan stated regarding the former Union II players making appearances for the first team. “Shout out to Malik, Gio, Stas on his first goal; Union II guys are coming through. I’m really happy for them. I’m proud that we’re moving up the ranks together. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of them.”
Korzeniowski scored his first two goals for the Union on Thursday night, one of which was assisted beautifully by Sullivan. “Last year with Union II was developmental, and it put me in a good position for where I am now, and I’m very grateful for that,” Korzeniowski said regarding his time in MLS Next Pro. “I’m learning from the guys around me, being around them more frequently. Guys like Bruno [Damiani], Eze [Alladoh], and the guys underneath, like Jovan
[Lukic]. They’ve made that transition easy.”
Reflecting on his time with Union II, Korzeniowski went on to discuss his recent call-up to the first team. “It’s a dream come true. It’s something I’ve always dreamt about. When I got drafted by the Union in the winter of ’23, this was something I’d visualize for myself, and for these moments to come to live, to really be experiencing them, it’s truly wonderful. I’m trying to be grounded where I am and take it all in, because it’s such a joy, and it’s a real honor to wear the badge.”
Union record signing Ezekiel Alladoh had a bounce-back performance, chipping in for two assists after his MLS debut did not go to plan. Korzeniowski praised Alladoh and his skillset postgame. “He has his strengths, and I have mine. I think what we both have is this unique hold-up play and technical ability for our size. We can hold the ball, we can pass, we can move, and I’ve worked a lot with him during preseason. I was even his roommate, which definitely helped for the chemistry bit,” Korzeniowski remarked.
The Union are in action next for their MLS home opener on Sunday afternoon, facing off against NYCFC at 4:30 p.m. The Union will be out for revenge after NYCFC knocked them out of the MLS Cup Playoffs last season.
4 goal contributions: 2 goals, 2 assists for Cavan Sullivan 🔥
Game Changer presented by @RiyadhAir ✈️ pic.twitter.com/M5ocMUFOaD
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) February 27, 2026
