14-Year-Old Cavan Sullivan Shatters MLS Record in Philadelphia Union's Thumping Victory

Cavan Sullivan, a future Manchester City player and rising Philadelphia Union prodigy, etched his name in Major League Soccer history by becoming the youngest player to participate in a match. The 14-year-old contributed to breaking Philadelphia Union's 10-game winless streak with a dominant 5-1 victory over New England.

Making his mark at 14 years and 293 days old, Sullivan was subbed in during the 85th minute, surpassing Freddy Adu's record by 13 days. Adu's record had stood since 2004 when he debuted for DC United at 14 years and 306 days. Sullivan is set to continue his MLS journey with Philadelphia until he turns 18, after which he will transition to the Premier League with Manchester City under a contractual clause.

Freddy Adu took to social media to commend Sullivan's achievement, stating, 'Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today. That's a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man.' Sullivan recently netted two goals in consecutive matches for Union's MLS NEXT Pro side, prompting his call-up to the senior team.

Philadelphia head coach Jim Curtin praised Sullivan's integration into the squad, emphasizing that the youngster earned his spot through consistent performance. 'He will be in the 20 because he's earned that. If you look at his performances in Union II games, the goals that he has scored, Cavan has earned the right. The next step is working to get your first minutes and that might be one minute, might be 15 minutes, or that might be 90 minutes, but you have to earn it,' Curtin explained, as reported by Goal.com.

Philadelphia Union aims to carry forward their momentum when they face Nashville at Subaru Park on Saturday. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)