It was a big night for the Philadelphia Union as the they took on the New England Revolution at Subaru Park, not only did Tai Baribo get a Hat Trick but the much anticipated debut of Cavan Sullivan happened in the 85th minute of the game. The fans have been waiting to get a glimpse of the team we once knew and were in for a treat last night with 5 goals against New England. Adding to Tai Baribo’s 3 goals, Jakob Glesnes with a header off a corner and Quinn Sullivan with a banger of goal in the 84th minute. Kai Wagner had 3 assists on the night making him one of only 7 players in MLS history to earn 30 or more assists in the last 3 seasons. Chants started to grow towards the middle of the second half of the game of “We want Cavan”! In the 85th minute Cavan Sullivan made his debut in the MLS as the youngest player, taking the title from Freddie Adu by 14 days. Cavan came on the pitch and made his first MLS pass to brother, Quinn. Cavan had 2 presses with the ball, one almost ending in the net. The Union finally had a great night on the field where players, fans, coaches and ownership all celebrate the accomplishments of the club and academy.
Tonight’s drummer Maia Weintraub, a native Philadelphian, will be heading to Paris to compete in Fencing during the 2024 Olympics. She is a 2 time National Champion and 3 time World Medalist.
Leon Flach gets spun around and loses the ball when he is fouled minutes into the match.
Olivier Mbaizo shields the ball from Ryan Spaulding.
With the ball still in the net, Leon Flach and Tai Baribo celebrate Tai’s first goal of the night.
A fan celebrated in the River End against the storm and smoke bombs.
Ryan Spaulding shot is blocked by Captain, Alejandro Bedoya.
Tai Baribo celebrates his 1st goal on the night, kicking off a hat trick before being subbed out in the 85th minute.
Flags in the River End fly proudly as the Union get on a scoring streak.
The storms rolled in towards the half. A downpour followed into the second of the game. The Union went into the locker room up 3-0.
In the pouring rain, Kai Wagner goes for the header under pressure from Dave Romney.
After Tai Barb’s 3rd goal of the night, giving him a heat trick, Jakob Glesnes joins the team in celebration.
Jesus Bueno slide tackles Ian Harks as he heads towards goal. Jack Elliot is ready to defend as well.
Andre Blake secures the ball underneath him after a corner, while protecting himself from being stepped on by Xavier Arreaga.
The big moment for the Sullivan Family, Cavan makes his MLS debut at the youngest player in history, taking the record from Freddy Adu by 14 days.
Jay Sugarman gives Cavan Sullivan a standing ovation when he is subbed in for Tai Baribo. Tim McDermott is capturing the moment on his phone.
Cavan Sullivan’s first few minutes in the game did not disappoint.
Brothers, Cavan and Quinn Sullivan share a celebratory hug after the final whistle. Cavan’s first MLS pass was to his brother Quinn!
Jim Curtin is genuinely happy with the night. 5 goals for the team and the debut of the youngest athlete in North America to play for a professional team all happening at once.
Andre Blake is all smiles as the River End serenades him with the chant “Andre Blake”.
Cavan Sullivan is greeted by his father and a large crowd of fans as he comes off the field following his debut.
The Philadelphia take on Nashville FC at home Saturday, July 20th at Subaru Park.
Great photos, Marjorie! Thank you for sharing them with all of us.