Cavan Sullivan gives Mauricio Pochettino message USMNT can’t ignore after making MLS history

Cavan Sullivan has put Mauricio Pochettino on notice. The 17-year-old star made MLS history just before an international break that will see USMNT play two Concacaf Nations League matches vs Haiti. Sullivan, who’s expected to join Manchester City in 2028, scored two goals during Philadelphia Union’s 4-1 win over Toronto FC. He also won six duels, while one of Sullivan’s goals was set up via an assist by his 22-year-old brother, Quinn. “Cavan was great,” said Union interim head coach Ryan Richter. “He was out a couple of weeks and came in the last game, just to get back into the rhythm of playing, and was excellent tonight.” Sullivan made history by reaching 23 goal contributions (nine goals, 14 assists) this season. It’s the most by a teenager in MLS history. Philadelphia also locked in the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference for the MLS Cup playoffs. The Union will face the No. 3 New England Revolution in a best-of-three-series. Sullivan was recently named to USMNT’s roster for the resumption of Nations League play. Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Justin Ellis (Orlando) and Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls) join the 17-year-old Union star as forwards on the US soccer roster. Sullivan has already been touted as a potential MLS MV P winner . Lionel Messi tops the league with 26 goals this season, yet Sullivan is clearly on the rise and already one of the bright new stars in the sport. Ricardo Pepi , Diego Luna and Alex Freeman have won the MLS Young Player of the Year award in recent seasons, and Sullivan is a favorite for the honor this season. He’s also coming off an impressive October showing with USMNT, which featured Sullivan’s history-making first goal for the squad. “These are the moments you dream of when you’re a three, four, five or six-year-old,” Sullivan said. “I manifested this moment, not just these past couple of hours when I found out I was starting, but my whole life.” Sullivan made his MLS debut at 14 but the 2026 campaign has represented a career breakthrough. He’s set to join Man City in January 2028 after he turns 18. Sign up for talkSPORT Stateside , the YouTube channel dedicated to passionate US Sports fans. Will Gavin, Brian T. Smith, former NFL star Efe Obada and a collection of special guests debate the biggest talking points across the NFL, soccer, NBA and more.