Cavan Sullivan showcased his scoring prowess in a stunning match for the Union, leading the team to a remarkable 7-0 victory over Trinidad’s Defence Force F.C. at Subaru Park on Thursday night. The 16-year-old midfielder, who is set to join Manchester City at the end of 2027, broke his scoring drought by netting two goals in the latter part of the game, with his first one hitting the net in the 76th minute and his second just before the final whistle in the 88th minute. This performance not only marks a personal milestone for Sullivan but also establishes him as the youngest goalscorer in Champions Cup history.
“Happy to score my first goal,” Sullivan remarked. “Two of them, actually. It was pretty special.” His stellar performance included not just his goals but also two assists, significantly contributing to the Union’s dominant display.
The match saw a flurry of goals, with former Penn product Stas Korzeniowski adding two to the tally, while Geiner Martínez, Jovan Lukić, and Ben Bender each contributed one goal. Martínez set the tone for the night, scoring in the seventh minute, marking his first goal for the club after joining in the offseason. Lukić, back in action after a minor injury, converted a penalty in the 10th minute to further extend the lead. Korzeniowski, who had recently been drafted, scored both in the 12th and 48th minutes, showcasing his skill and sealing his impressive performance with an assist from Sullivan.
The Union’s 12-0 aggregate victory over Defence Force across the two-leg series propelled them to the round of 16, where they will face Liga MX powerhouse Club América. The first match against Club América will take place on March 10, followed by the away leg at the renowned Estadio Azteca on March 18.
Union manager Bradley Carnell expressed pride in this emphatic win, emphasizing the importance of young players making their mark. “It was a good statement from us as a club. Just to be able to play all the young guys and get rewarded, and guys getting goals and contributions,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Union are eager to build on this momentum as they prepare for their first home match of the Major League Soccer season against New York City FC on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The upcoming match carries additional significance, as New York knocked the Union out of the playoffs last season with a narrow 1-0 victory. Carnell noted the team’s determination, saying, “Everybody wants to be part of Sunday. Everyone wants to play and put off a good performance. It’s a derby. We know what it’s all about.”
With young talents stepping into the spotlight, fans can look forward to an exciting and promising season ahead for the Union.