Philadelphia Union
Sullivan brothers receive honors for memorable performance
Saturday’s Union match against Toronto FC was a historic day in the club’s history. The Union honored Alejandro Bedoya’s career and solidified their playoff seeding despite entering the World Cup break in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 4-1 win over Toronto FC.
The Union were led to the big win by the Sullivan brothers, who were named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 35 for their performance. Cavan had two goals in the match and was named MLS Player of the Matchday for the second time this season. Quinn’s performance was just as solid, scoring a penalty kick and chipping in both a primary and secondary assist.
A long-awaited moment for the Sullivans came in the 58th minute of the match. With Quinn through on goal, he squared the ball to Cavan, who finished into the bottom left corner. The Union’s third was the first time the Sullivans combined for a goal in MLS. Saturday’s match was also the first time both brothers scored in the same game. Cavan spoke about the moment after
the game on Saturday.
“Yeah, it’s huge for the family, and for us individually. We’re looking to do that more now,” Cavan said. “It’s a great first step, but there’s more memories to be made… That’s obviously my favorite goal of my career so far. It will probably be my favorite forever. Hopefully the first of many. I’m grateful that he slid it across, and I was happy I put that one in.”
The “first step” that the Sullivans took together on Saturday may have taken a bit longer than initially anticipated. After Quinn Sullivan went down late last season with an ACL tear, the brothers had to wait until the second half of the 2026 season to begin playing alongside each other regularly. Quinn spoke with media about what the performance with his brother meant to him.
“It’s awesome. I’ve told you guys a lot of times that it’s going to be special when we connect. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Cincinnati, when we were part of all the goals, and now we’re actually the ones scoring the goals,” the older Sullivan said. “He’s back balling after the knock, and it’s great to see.” Cavan had missed time with an ankle injury before Saturday’s match, but showed no signs of rust against Toronto, a reassuring sight for Union fans to see ahead of playoffs.
The Sullivan brothers became the third pair of siblings in MLS history to score in the same regular-season match. While both brothers had exceptional performances, Cavan was the one selected as MLS Player of the Matchday. Sullivan’s brace was his second of the season.
In addition to the pair of goals, he drew the foul for the penalty that was scored by Quinn and could
have had even more if not for the VAR chalking off a Frankie Westfield goal that he set up down the right side. The honor was the fifth time a Union player earned Player of the Matchday in 2026, the most in MLS this season and the most in a single season in club history. It was a stellar performance to cap a strong season for Cavan, finishing the season on 9 goals and 14 assists. His 14 assists are good for the 4 th most in a single season in Union history.
Ryan Richter spoke about his young star’s performance after the match. “He was great… he was out a couple weeks. He came in last game just to get back in the rhythm of playing, and he was excellent.” Cavan will now depart the Union for international duty before returning for the MLS Cup playoffs.
While Cavan’s return from the ankle injury will have been encouraging for Union fans, they can be equally as optimistic about the performance from the older Sullivan, who put in his best performance since his return from injury. Richter spoke about how impressive Quinn was after the match as well.
“He was great, and it wasn’t just today. The game against Nashville last week, he was excellent. The game against Cincinnati, he was excellent,” Richter explained, recognizing Quinn’s improved performances in two tough away matches in which he didn’t get on the scoresheet.
Quinn created the best chance of the match for the Union in Nashville, a brilliant cross to the back post to Ben Bender who was denied by Brian Schwake in net. “He’s fully back. He would have told you that the first day that he came in for training… but he had a great performance tonight. Some really, really unselfish plays, and incredible work rate for the entire game.” An
energized and invigorated Quinn Sullivan adds another dimension to an already firing Union attack ahead of the playoffs, providing yet another boost to the team in their hugely successful second half.
The Union will take a week off while Cavan, Neil Pierre, Danley Jean Jacques, and others report for international duty. The Boys in Blue will look to carry the momentum they built up against Toronto into the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday, November 21 at Gillette Stadium when they will face New England Revolution.
