Cavan Sullivan sets new MLS scoring record for 16-year-olds
Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, at 16 years and 342 days old, became the youngest player in Major League Soccer history to achieve a five-match goal contribution streak. His goal in the 75th minute of the Union's 2-0 victory over CF Montreal on Saturday marked his third consecutive MLS match with a goal, bringing his total to three goals and three assists in his last five league appearances.
Sullivan’s 11 total goal contributions this season, comprising four goals and seven assists, now stand as the most ever by a 16-year-old in MLS. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 10 contributions (four goals, six assists) set by Freddy Adu in 2005, as reported by The Guardian.
Sullivan's historic streak and celebration
The young midfielder celebrated his latest goal by mimicking LeBron James's chalk toss, a nod to the NBA star's recent arrival in Philadelphia. Sullivan noted he had been planning the celebration for some time, awaiting the right moment in front of a large crowd.
Sullivan previously made history on July 17, 2024, when he debuted against the New England Revolution at 14 years and 293 days old. This made him the youngest player to debut in North American team sports, exceeding Adu's record of 14 years and 306 days set with D.C. United in 2004.
Weekend scoring outbursts across MLS
Elsewhere in Major League Soccer, Vincent Janssen recorded the Portland Timbers' first regular-season hat-trick in the club's history. His three goals in the 11th, 26th, and 55th minutes powered Portland to a 5-4 win over Minnesota United. Janssen, a Dutch international, was making his first start for the Timbers since his transfer from Belgian club Royal Antwerp in late July.
Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire played to an eventful 4-4 draw. USMNT forward Josh Sargent scored a hat-trick for Toronto, while Maren Haile-Selassie netted two goals for the Fire, increasing his tally to four goals in his last three MLS matches. Haitian international Derrick Etienne Jr. secured the draw for Toronto with a curling shot in second-half stoppage time. Robert Lewandowski contributed a goal and an assist for Chicago, and Djordje Mihailovic provided two assists for Toronto.
Reporting: The Guardian