Cavan Sullivan, the Philadelphia Union‘s 16-year-old soccer prodigy, is having a breakthrough 2026 season, earning a few career firsts along the way.
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, Sullivan attained a less-than-desirable career first: A sending off. Though, it is the “City of Brotherly Love,” after all, and it was Cavan Sullivan coming to the defense of his older brother, teammate Quinn Sullivan.
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The incident happened in the final moments of a 2-2 draw against Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami. A feisty finish to the midweek match came to a head in the 12th minute of stoppage time. Quinn went down inside the 18-yard box. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray appeared to step over, and then on, Quinn, who took exception to the extracurriculars. Quinn then body-slammed Fray. Cavan, who was in action near where Quinn went down, entered the scuffle as things escalated between the two teams. Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Cavan started to push and shove each other. Things eventually cooled off and after a discussion between the referees Cavan and Bright were presented with red cards, and Quinn was issued a yellow card.
As a result of the red card, Cavan Sullivan will be suspended for the Union’s next match, at Austin FC on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Sullivan, who will transfer to Manchester City of the Premier League when he turns 18, has scored two goals (one in MLS play and another in Leagues Cup) as he’s become a regular starter for the Philadelphia Union in 2026, starting 11 of 18 matches he’s appeared in.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Late-game fight leads to first MLS red card for Cavan Sullivan
