The teenage star made his MLS debut for Philadelphia Union last week and is set to star in the league’s youth showcase on Tuesday.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Jul 23rd, 2024 07:10 EDT0
Joseph MaioranaUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Ahead of the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, the league’s young stars will compete in the youth showcase on Tuesday, July 23. The MLS NEXT All-Star Game will see the nation’s best academy prospects take centre stage in Columbus, with an East vs West clash at Historic Crew Stadium.
For all the talent on show, much of the attention will be on the youngest player in either roster: 14-year-old sensation Cavan Sullivan.
Still a week shy of his 15th birthday, Sullivan made his MLS debut for Philadelphia Union last week. In doing so he became the youngest-ever athlete in the history of professional team sports in the United States.
Welcome to the show, Cavan Sullivan. ✨The 14-year-old becomes the youngest player to debut in MLS history. pic.twitter.com/qbgjh4QRns
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024
“I know a lot of these kids and it’s nice to see them not at a national team camp, but in an MLS environment. It’s a really cool experience with great people who make it even better,” Sullivan told reporters in Columbus ahead of Tuesday’s game.
“Being around the guys, my East teammates – East is the best, just want to put that out there,” he added. “The game should be pretty cool and all that comes with an event like this: the gear, the environment. This whole match is cool.”
How to watch the MLS NEXT All-Star Game
The East vs West MLS NEXT All-Star Game is available to view for free on the MLS website, with kickoff set for 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT on Tuesday, July 23.
To be eligible for the showcase, players must have been born between 2007-2009 and have competed in the MLS NEXT regular season. In total 44 players were selected for the one-off game. LA Galaxy are the most represented club, with three players selected for the Western Conference team.