The Philadelphia Union are playing some of the most dominant soccer I’ve seen in a long time. They just dismantled San Diego 5-0 on Sunday night, and it wasn’t even close. If you aren’t watching this kid, you’re missing the main event in MLS right now.
According to the Associated Press, Cavan Sullivan was the star of the show. He recorded his first two-goal game in the league and even helped set up another score. He found the net in first-half stoppage time using a creative back-heel flick that hit the post and went in, according to Yahoo Sports. Later, in the 62nd minute, he drove a shot through the legs of San Diego keeper Duran Ferree from a tough angle to make it 2-0. Sullivan also provided the assist for Bruno Damiani, who scored his fourth goal in two games after Frankie Westfield ran down a chip from Sullivan.
A Philadelphia Powerhouse
The Union have turned this into a massive run of form, not just a single good night. They’ve stayed unbeaten in their last 10 matches, securing eight wins since the World Cup break, per the Associated Press. The defense looks just as scary as the offense. Andre Blake made five saves during the match to earn his seventh clean sheet of the season. He also reached a huge milestone with his 290th appearance for the club. It’s a complete team effort that’s been building for weeks, and Sunday was just the latest proof.
The scoreboard tells the whole story of this blowout. After the Sullivan highlights, an own goal by Anibal Godoy put Philadelphia up 4-0 in the 87th minute. Malik Jakupovic added a final goal during stoppage time to seal the 5-0 rout. Meanwhile, San Diego’s recent success hit a wall as their four-game home winning streak ended abruptly.
The Rise of Sullivan
Talent like this demands respect no matter how young you are. Sullivan is putting up numbers that look like a veteran’s stat sheet. In his last seven MLS games, he now has five goals and six assists. When a player is creating that much magic with back-heel flicks and precision chips, you can’t ignore him. He is making the rest of the league look slow.
The Union are heading into a tough stretch, but they have the momentum. They move to Kansas City this Saturday. San Diego has to travel to Miami next Sunday.
