It's Official: Philadelphia Union Signs Cavan Sullivan

Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed midfielder Cavan Sullivan through 2028, in a Major League Soccer record deal. Sullivan becomes the youngest player in club history to be added to the first team roster, and the fifth youngest player to sign a first-team contract in MLS history.

“Cavan is undeniably a rare and extraordinary talent. At just 14-years-old his natural skill and vision are far beyond his years,” said Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director. “His advanced soccer IQ, paired with his ability to read plays, advance the ball, and score, show just how high his ceiling will be. We are incredibly pleased to have come to an agreement to have Cavan join the Union on his first professional contract and have no doubt on the impact he will make with the club.”

Sullivan joined the Union Academy in 2020 and has quickly progressed through the Pro Player Pathway. He has featured for Union Academy’s U15 MLS NEXT team, U17 MLS NEXT team, and Philadelphia Union II MLS NEXT Pro team, making a name for himself both with the Academy, as well as with United States Youth National Teams. In the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup, Sullivan, who was just 13 years old at the time, helped the Union U15 squad reach the finals, beating academy powerhouses such as Valencia, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, with Sullivan scoring one minute into the match against Arsenal. With his outstanding play, he was named to the tournament’s Best XI. This year, Sullivan joined the U17 squad where he contributed to the team winning their second-consecutive GA Cup championship. Additionally, in 2024 Sullivan featured for Union II, where he’s appeared twice and added an assist in the game winning goal against New England Revolution II.

Last year Sullivan led the US to victory in the 2023 CONCACAF Boy’s Under-15 Championship, marking the first time the US has ever won the tournament. The youngest player on the team, Sullivan’s four goals scored earned him the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament.

Exclusive: United States U15 Squad is Released For Vlatko Marković International Tournament

The roster for the United States U15 team that will be traveling to Croatia for the Vlatko Marković International Tournament was released exclusively by Footy Access on our social channels yesterday.

The United States U15 youth national team will travel to Croatia next Friday, May 10, to play in the Vlatko Marković International Tournament, marking the team's second international tournament of this cycle. The United States is in Group A and will be accompanied by hosts Croatia, Morocco, and England. Meanwhile, Group B will feature Belgium, Japan, France, and Portugal.

The tournament will take place from May 15 to 19, and the United States youth national team will open up against hosts Croatia on the opening day. The following day, they will face England, and then they will finish the group stage against Morocco.

This will be the last time this group of players meets in the U15 age group, as they will transition to the U16 age group starting in July.

The team will include some players who have participated in all the camps from the beginning, as well as new faces.

One of the most exciting players on this roster is Manu Romero from Real Madrid, who returns after representing the United States U15 youth national team in the last UEFA Development Tournament in Portugal. Romero, eligible to represent the United States, Spain, and Uruguay, will experience a youth national team for the second time after previously being with the U15 teams of Spain and Uruguay. It is worth noting that since these are unofficial games, there is no possibility that he will be provisionally tied to any country at the moment.

Among the new faces for this team will be Mateo McLean of LA Galaxy, a central defender of considerable physical stature who has shown significant improvement in his development in recent months. Lukas Bruegmann will also join the team for the first time; the central midfielder is characterized by excellent technique, passing ability, and the ability to control the pace of the game. Finally, Landry Walker will be the only player coming from an ECNL academy. The San Antonio FC player recently secured an academy contract with the first team and will be with this team for the first time.

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Alex Smith Close to Signing With Scottish Giants Rangers FC

Reports indicate that Scottish-American dual national Alex Smith is close to signing with the Rangers FC first team. The young attacking midfielder born in 2008 has been outstanding within the Rangers FC youth organization, attracting interest from teams such as Arsenal FC and some MLS teams recently. Smith starred for the Glasgow giants in the Mallorca East Cup in Spain last April, where he received four Man of the Match awards in five appearances.

His impressive performances have earned him consideration for both the Scottish and United States teams. Smith has been a regular player for the Scotland youth national teams, being a key player for the team and the captain as well. Additionally, Alex Smith was part of the United States U15 team in 2023 during a domestic camp, marking the only occasion he has been with the team.

With no deal finalized as of yet with Rangers, it seems like there is a potential interest elsewhere with Premier League and MLS clubs interested in the young talent.

Inter Miami Secures Second Place In The Tournoi International U-16 In Guadeloupe

Inter Miami recently competed in the Tournoi International U-16 in Guadeloupe, which took place from May 1 to 4. The international competition featured 16 top youth sides from around the world, and Inter Miami finished as runners-up after an impressive performance throughout.

Inter Miami featured in Group C alongside Brazilian side Fluminense and Guadeloupean teams Pôle Espoirs Cerfa and Cap Excellence. In the first group stage game, Inter Miami secured a resounding 5-0 win over Cap Excellence. They then earned a 1-1 draw against Pôle Espoirs Cerfa before concluding the group stage fixtures with an important 1-0 win over Fluminense.

The knockout rounds began with a 3-0 win over CARL in the quarterfinals. The semifinals presented a rematch for the team against Fluminense in the tournament, with Inter Miami securing their place in the final after winning in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation.

In the final, Inter Miami U16 narrowly fell 1-0 against French team Olympique Lyonnais and finished the tournament as runners-up after their strong performances throughout the competition.