Union Ink 14-Year-Old Phenom Cavan Sullivan To Massive Deal
The Philadelphia Union made big headlines around the soccer world today. They inked a 14-year-old phenom, Cavan Sullivan, to a deal that will see him play for his hometown team until he turns 18 and heads overseas to play for Man City. The deal was first reported by ESPN.
You read that age right, 14 years old. Per ESPN, if he makes his debut before July 29th, which he is expected to do, he will be the youngest player in MLS history. Freddy Adu currently holds that crown, having also inked his deal at 14. Adu was younger when he signed the deal, but Sullivan is currently younger than Adu was when he made his debut.
Important To Keep Expectations For Cavan Sullivan Low For Now
The Adu tale is a cautionary one though. Like Cavan Sullivan, Adu was a phenom, with his eyes set overseas. But he flamed out before his career reached anywhere near the lofty expectations laid onto him
The hope is playing in his hometown, on a team with his older brother, will help keep Cavan more comfortable at his young age.
It will be important to keep expectations in check. He might be an immensely talented player, but he is also a 14-year-old kid playing with grown men. Expecting him to instantly look like a star would be incredibly unfair.
When he does debut, he likely won’t be starting. In an interview with ESPN, Cavan Sullivan himself said he hopes to be a regular player by the age of 16, and then earn his way to starting. He is not going to come in, and instantly see big playing time.
The Ceiling For Cavan Sullivan
That said, there is reason to think he is going to one day be a special player. That may not fully materialize until he is 18 and playing for Man City. But the kid has a special skill set.
Coach Jim Curtin described him as an attacker, and Sullivan himself called himself a playmaker.
“I would say the big word is ‘playmaker. That’s what I try and be every game, every training. I think I’m good on the dribble. My decision-making is pretty good, and my vision on the field is one of my qualities.”
-Cavan Sullivan to ESPN
When Will We See Him?
We don’t yet know when he will make his debut. But he is expected to play here for the next 4 years in some type of role. To start, it might not be a big role. While that may kill some of the initial hype, easing him in will likely be the best choice for him long-term.
The Union’s next game is this Saturday. That could be his debut if they think he is ready. Curtin told ESPN that he will play when he is healthy. If not Saturday, it is expected to be soon though.
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9 Things You Should Know Before Going To A Philadelphia Union Game
How To Get to Subaru Park
If you are coming from Philadelphia, 95 South is going to be your best way to the park. Subaru Park 15 miles away from the Stadium Complex. You will be taking 95 South to exit 4. For New Jerseyans, you will want to come across the Commodore Barry Bridge. The Stadium is basically right under the bridge, so once you get across making your way down to the stadium should be easy. In both cases, getting into the stadium area and the parking lots can take a while. So give yourself extra time. The Union provided more specific directions here.
If you prefer Public Transportation, regional rail is an option. From 30th St station, you can catch the Wilmington/Newark line to Chester station. There will be a free shuttle from there to Subaru Park. Those shuttles start running 4 hours before the game. Keep in mind though that for late games, the last train may stop running before the final whistle, so you may need to find another option to get back to Philly. Like most places, they also have designated drop-off spots for Rise Sharing Apps.
What Should You Wear?
If you are new to the Union, you may not yet have Union gear to wear. That is fine. Just double-check who the opponent is that day to make sure you aren’t wearing their colors, and avoid the color red in general. And at least for the February, March, and April games, make sure to dress warm. The Stadium is on the water, and it can get fairly chilly at times early in the season.
If you do want to pick up Union gear, their Team Shop opens Up 2 Hours before the game begins.
What Time Can You Get In?
Gates open 90 minutes before the game. Which will give you plenty of time to get through the line and security. And then you will also be able to get some food, something to drink, and find your seats before kickoff. The same way the Sixers have a bell ringer, and the Phillies have someone throwing the first pitch, the Union will have a guest bang the drum. If seeing that is something that interests you, it is worth getting there ahead of time.
What Food And Drink Options Are There?
Like with every Philly stadium, you will be able to get Chickie’s and Pete’s Crab Fries. They are located in sections 108, 117, and 129. If you want a Cheesesetak, Phillip’s Steaks are in section 107. There is a PJ Whelihan’s at sections 122 and 101. And if you want something sweet, you can get ice cream at Scoops’N’Smiles in sections 109, 120, and 127. There are alcohol vendors throughout the stadium. But if you want something specific, there is a Heineken Bar in section 127.Â
The Fan Screening Process
According to the Union’s entry policy, all bags must be clear, and no larger than 14â x 14â x 6â. They will also be subject to search before you can enter Subaru Park. And as with any stadium, there is no outside food or drink permitted. You can see a dull list of prohibited items here.Â
Do They Have Any Theme Nights
Before picking what game you go to, it is worth taking a look at their promotional calendar. They have special theme nights coming up. Kids Night on March 25th. Pride Night on June 3rd. Military Appreciation Night on July 15th. Retro night on August 20th. And more. See a full list of Theme Nights here.
