At long last, the Union have won a match! And folks, there was plenty to talk about. Let’s wrap on all the sights and sounds of the match:
Welcome to the Show, Cavan Sullivan
Prior to Wednesday’s match, Union announced today they have called up teenage wunderkind Cavan Sullivan against the New England Revolution. The Homegrown midfielder made his MLS debut in the 85th minute, becoming the youngest player in MLS history, and the top North American sports leagues to make his debut at 14 years, 293 days old. He finished the match with a shot on goal and did not look out of place in his 10 minutes of playing time.
“It’s not an easy thing to navigate,” Jim Curtin said. “He’s just a special player, a great kid and it’s my job to keep him hungry and humble.”
There was a palpable buzz around Subaru Park in this one. Sullivan’s potential entering of the match drew attention from fans and media alike, watching his every move from the beginning of the match until his substitution later on. It’s the kind of pressure only athletes of rarefied air know. Even at 14 years old, one could tell that Sullivan has “it” and the uncanny ability to adjust the scope and focus on the job at hand.
“That first time you step on the field, all the nerves, pressure and noise disappears,” Sullivan said. “Even the fans, it’s all blocked out.”
Baribo’s Hatty
Tai Baribo finished every chance he was given in this match, scoring his 4th, 5th and sixth goals of the campaign in the win. Since Copa America, players leaving and getting consistent playing time, the Israeli footballer has been nothing short of a revelation for Philly when he’s step on the pitch. Jim Curtin has found Baribo’s stick-with-it-ness to be an admirable quality, especially since the departure of Julian Carranza.
“I do have to single out the job Tai Baribo has done for us,” Curtin said. “In situations where he could’ve demanded to be traded, he continued to work hard. His work rate in tonight’s game, not just on the goals, but the work rate defensively was incredible. I’m really proud of him.”
Baribo has been match fit for several games now, but how he scored each goal really showcased his skill-set. On the first, Baribo scored with a header from the centre of the box after a slick redirection from Jack Elliott on the set piece. On the second, He scored with a right foot shot from the centre of the box. The tally was assisted by Mikael Uhre, who delivered a great pass. Finally, on the third, it was another quality service from Kai Wagner, as Baribo finished again with the right foot.
A true goal scorers night, to be sure.
Service From Kai
According to MLS Communications, Kai Wagner became the only defender to produce at least 30 assists across the last three seasons with his three helpers on Wednesday. Wagner is also just the seventh player in the league, regardless of position, to reach this mark.
Wagner has been a vocal leader in the club this season and has always put team success over his own. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old defender deserves his flowers here. He was in excellent form all night long for Philadelphia and remains the club’s best quality chance creator, even from a position not typically known for playmakers.
They Said It
Jim Curtin on the decision to put Cavan Sullivan in the game: “The time was right to give him an opportunity. This first step was something planned by the Union, Cavan, his family, and big clubs in Europe that have a say. Cavan deserved to be in the group. Even his touches in the game, you can see the fearlessness.”
Cavan Sullivan on celebrating his older brother Quinn’s goal: “Before I came in, he said to me, ‘I think your getting one tonight.’ He told me if I scored to do a knee slide, then he did it. So he copied me a little bit, but we did hit our fist to hand celebration which is one of the first handshakes we ever had so it’s pretty amazing.”
On Deck
The boys in blue return to action on Saturday, when they play host to Nashville. The match will broadcasted on Apple TV and begins at 7:30 p.m.
