Cavan Sullivan delivered a standout performance for the Union by scoring twice during their dominant 7-0 victory over Defence Force F.C. at Subaru Park on Thursday evening. His goals, struck in the 76th and 88th minutes, came after a lengthy drought, marking a milestone for the 16-year-old midfielder and highlighting his emergence in the Champions Cup.
Despite being the Union’s highly regarded prospect with plans to join Manchester City in 2027, Sullivan had not scored in 19 appearances before this night. His two goals and two assists not only secured the win but also made him the youngest player to score in Champions Cup history.
Happy to score my first goal,
Sullivan said.
Two of them, actually. It was pretty special.
Goals from Multiple Players Lead to Resounding Team Success
In addition to Sullivan’s contributions, former Penn standout Stas Korzeniowski struck twice, while Geiner Martínez, Jovan Lukić, and Ben Bender added one goal each. The Union showcased a well-rounded attack throughout the match, building on their aggregate advantage from the first leg to win 12-0 overall. With this series win, the team advances to the Champions Cup round of 16 where they will face Liga MX powerhouse Club América.
Martínez’s Early Goal Sets the Tone for the Match
The scoring began early with Geiner Martínez netting his first goal for the Union in the seventh minute. The centerback, a recent offseason acquisition, gave the team an immediate boost. Just minutes later, Jovan Lukić converted a penalty in the 10th minute after Jeremy Rafanello was fouled in the box, extending the lead. This match marked Lukić’s season debut after missing two games due to a minor injury.
The offensive momentum continued as Stas Korzeniowski scored in the 12th minute, his first goal for the Union’s first team since being drafted in 2024. Sullivan’s assist on Korzeniowski’s goal capped a slick five-pass sequence that put the Union comfortably ahead at halftime, 3-0.
Second Half Offensive Surge with Key Substitutions
Korzeniowski struck again in the 48th minute, assisted by Ezekiel Alladoh, the forward acquired last December in a $4.5 million signing. Shortly after, Ben Bender scored with a lofted pass from Sullivan, who continued to drive the team’s attack, earning another assist on the night. The substitutions brought fresh energy as Sal Olivas and Malik Jakupovic, a 16-year-old academy product and U.S. under-17 youth international, came on to replace Lukić and Olwethu Makhanya, respectively.
Jesús Bueno replaced Alejandro Bedoya in the 75th minute, completing the Union’s changes. Sullivan then sealed the emphatic victory with his second goal, capping off a night to remember.
It was a good statement from us as a club,
Union manager Bradley Carnell reflected.
Just to be able to play all the young guys and get rewarded, and guys getting goals and contributions.
Upcoming Matches and Season Outlook
The Union will look to carry this momentum into their next Major League Soccer home game against New York City FC this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on Apple TV. Last weekend, the Union suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at D.C. United, setting a tense tone ahead of the derby clash with New York, who ended the Union’s playoff run last season with a 1-0 victory in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Everybody wants to be part of Sunday,
Carnell said.
Everyone wants to play and put off a good performance. It’s a derby. We know what it’s all about.
In the Champions Cup, the Union’s journey continues with a high-profile round of 16 encounter against Club América. The first leg will take place at Subaru Park on March 10, followed by the decisive away game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on March 18. This match-up presents a significant test for the young squad, highlighting their growing stature on the international stage.
