After an arduous match, the Union advance to the round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Cup on Wednesday. In fact, this marks the first time since 2018 that the boys in blue have advanced in this tournament. Let’s wrap:
Cavan Sullivan Makes First Career Start
In over of 120 minutes of playing time, Cavan Sullivan made his first career start in the Union’s win. Sullivan, 15, fared very well in said start, creating a bushel of chances before the Union won in PKs.
“We had to be a little bit creative in how we set him up,” Bradley Carnell said. “Cavan wants to play, he wants to express himself, he wants to get on the pitch. He’s young, fit and hungry. It was fun to watch him tonight fare against men.”
Sullivan was one of four Union players to play the entire match. It was an encouraging sign for not only the club, but also for the gameplan the rest of the week. Philly had to be wise about their substitutions and managing everyone’s minutes, given that the Eastern Conference leading Columbus Crew come to town this weekend. Hopefully, the Union will have enough quality first teamers match fit on Saturday.
The fact that Sullivan could not only step in, but be a net positive for the duration of the match, is certainly a good sign. He obviously is a special talent that belongs at this level.
In the Rick of Time
The Union were able to come up with a result in this match thanks in large part to keeper Andrew Rick. Rick, 19, made one save in the shootout to secure the Union’s spot in the Round of 16, but he had a few quality stops throughout the match. At the MLS Next Pro level, games tied after 90 minutes are decided by a penalty shootout, meaning there are no draws like their are in normal MLS regular season. Rick’s experience in penalty kicks may have served him well here.
“We can create scenario’s in training, but you can never experience the real thing,” Carnell said. So, to get these guys experiences at the Next Pro level, it gives them routine, confidence and experience to go through these moments.”
Although Andre Blake remains the heralded starter, perhaps it is time for Philly to get Rick more time in the first team. Even going back to last season, Rick never looks timid in goal. We’ll see if an effort like this can get him more starts and in turn, help keep Blake fresh throughout the season.
Did You Know?
Per the club, Alejandro Bedoya (7/18/18) and Chris Donovan (5/9/23) are the only players in the active roster to have scored a goal for the Union in the U.S. Open Cup. Of course, in the sixth minute, Bedoya scored his 30th goal for the club to give the Union a 1-0 lead.
On Deck
The Union return to the pitch this Saturday, May 10th, in MLS action when they host the Columbus Crew at Subaru Park. Matchday 12 is set for a 7:30 kickoff and will broadcast on Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass.
