Can the Union Overcome Cavan Sullivan’s Absence Against New England?

The Union’s biggest test of the season comes tonight as the New England Revolution rolls into town. Philly’s focus has been on Cavan Sullivan and his production. However, after picking up a knock in training, he won’t be available against the visiting Revs. Can the Union get the job done at home without their young star? Let’s break down the matchup.

​

Revolution Rising: New England Pose Major Threat to the Union

The New England Revolution sit third in the Eastern Conference and can catch up to Miami in points with a win this evening.

Manager Marko Mitrovic’s turnaround of the Revs continues. Just last year, the Revs finished 11th in the Eastern Conference. Since then, New England has clinched the playoffs and is chasing Miami and Nashville for the top of the table.

The Revolution also rely heavily on their stars, and none have shone brighter than Carles Gil this year. 12 goals lead the team, and the Spaniard has six assists to go along with them. He is the focal point of the club’s attack and will be the biggest threat to the Union’s back line this evening.

The support cast also brings threats for the Union to consider. Israeli striker Dor Turgeman, who has nine goals on the season, and 18-year-old American Peyton Miller have seven goals of their own from out on the right wing.

Defensively, the Revolution are tied with NYCFC for the second-fewest goals conceded this season, at 41. More impressively, much of this success has come from two 21-year-old centerbacks. Joshua Wynder and Ethan Kohler will hold down the backline in front of Matt Turner this evening.

New England is rehabbing multiple players as they prepare for the playoffs in less than a month. Leo Campana, Jack Harrison, and Alhassan Yusuf are all out with injuries this evening.

​

Keys to Success

I would expect a very conservative look from New England this evening. A loss would be detrimental as they look to solidify home-field advantage through the first round of the playoffs. They will likely pack the back and look to capitalize on the few moments they create to walk away with points against this red-hot Union squad.

​

Next Man Up: Union Look for Answers Without Their Young Star

Arguably the biggest test of the Union’s season just got a bit tougher. Cavan Sullivan is reported out against New England this evening.

Sullivan picked up a knock to his ankle in training, but the absence for this match seems more precautionary. Cav trained on Friday and should be good to go for the midweek match against Nashville.

While Sullivan’s absence isn’t ideal for any Union fan, his injury raises the question: Can Union get the job done when the next player has to step up?

Depth is a concern for this club, but it is not crippling. The focus of this match should be on the supporting cast. Can players like Quinn Sullivan, Indiana Vassilev and Augstin Anello step up and make the plays to get the Union three points?

Additionally, the Union will look to other members of their team to fill the gaps. Danley Jean Jacques has been essential to the Union midfield, and I expect him to step up this evening to compensate for Cavan’s absence. With Jesus Bueno due out with a hamstring injury, Ben Bender will likely see the pitch this evening as a midfield substitute. The attacking chances will come, and the Revs will allow the Union to enjoy more possession than they are used to. A perfect storm for a team awaiting a breakthrough.

​

Keys to Success

Chances will be less frequent without Cavan Sullivan, so the Union needs to capitalize on the chances they get. Cav claims an MLS season record of 21 goal contributions this season. Can Iloski, Damiani, and their supporting cast create the chances to help the Union climb with another three points? I think yes.

You can catch the match at 7:30 PM on Apple TV+.

Brady Ferguson

Storyteller trying to strengthen the Philadelphia soccer community.

See Full Bio