At this point from what I’m seeing there is essentially no “merit based wins and losses” justification that he’s not playing every single game. Players like Rafanello, Bedoya, Donovan, Vassilev are simply worse soccer players. Sullivan is adjusting very well to the first team level. Has since his first appearance. He’s gotten a lot bigger and stronger and faster too. He’s not shying away from being a protagonist. Decision making for a kid his age is quite frankly amazing for this level (and close to average for someone of any age). Maybe there are some other explainable reasons (school, not overexerting a 15 year old at the first team level, lacking some small details that the experienced pros have). I’m willing to keep an open mind about that, but he’s doing a pretty great job and it feels like a matter of time he’s going to be playing every game and probably a starter. Outside of playing time (which is very important), this season is going ideal for his development. You’re seeing all the things you want to.
This is the way I see it. He is already a better option than Rafanello and this older version of Bedoya so I think he should be one of the first subs off the bench for a couple of months... who knows? Maybe he can develop quickly enough to supplant Indiana before the playoffs come around. I really want to see the Sullivan Bros playing next to each other in that 4-2-2-2 dual 8/10 slot.
I agree. I know there’s labor laws to factor in. Certain hours on certain days depending on if it’s a school week vs non. However, I’d think sitting on the bench still counts as “work”.
Teams should state this if it's true as I think it's a valid reason to keep them from getting overwork issues later. Who knows if this is a reason though. He's also not in their long term plans so that could also factor in.
Starting in USOC Our Starting XI for @opencup Round of 16 💪📝 https://t.co/AWht25MCfV#DOOP pic.twitter.com/8jSa0I1mJz— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) May 21, 2025
FINALUSA 🇺🇸 U17 3️⃣ - 0️⃣ Japan 🇯🇵 U17⚽️ Jamir Johnson (2x), Cavan SullivanWon the practice PK shootout as well. Ended camp on a huge positive 👏#usmnt pic.twitter.com/q0QeZyRnlA— USMNT Report 🇺🇸🇹🇷 (@USMNTReport) June 10, 2025 Completely agree with you, Cavan pic.twitter.com/o2Qtozbcpr— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) June 10, 2025
I know people have mentioned a few of Cavan’s famous relatives, but I feel like nobody mention that his uncle is Kevin Ryan, who is a famous comedian and host of the Are You Garbage podcast.
I've been chirping about his lack of mins all season. Playing 45 or none with Union 2, then sitting on the bench with the first team. 15yo kids need to play.