How does Cavan Sullivan debut at 14 compare to other sports?

Philadelphia Union teen prospect Cavan Sullivan made Major League Soccer history Wednesday night in front of his home fans. The midfielder entered the match against the New England Revolution in the 85th minute to make his official debut. He only played about five minutes and his brother scored on the night. Nevertheless, Sullivan became the youngest player to ever feature for an MLS side at 14 years and 293 days old.

The previous record holder in the competition was former starlet Freddy Adu. Labeled by some as “the next Pele,” Adu made his MLS debut for D.C. United in the spring of 2004. Despite the lofty expectations, the former USMNT attacker bounced around 14 professional clubs in his career. Sullivan ended up topping Adu’s record by just 13 days.

Sullivan now the youngest pro player among the top US sports

Not only has Sullivan broken the MLS record, but it also tops similar feats in other American professional sports. Melanie Barcenas recently set the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) record for youngest player in 2023. The teen sensation made her San Diego Wave regular-season debut aged 15 years and 181 days.

The Elias Sports Bureau, which has been tracking various sports statistics since 1970, also claims that Sullivan is the youngest player among other top American divisions. Andrew Bynum made his NBA debut with the Los Angeles Lakers at 18 years and 6 days old.

Former San Jose Sharks great Patrick Marleau was drafted by the NHL team in 1997 and featured for the team almost immediately. This is a particularly rare feat for the sport. The forward was just 18 years and 16 days old at the time of his debut.

Texas Rangers pitcher David Clyde currently holds the record for youngest MLB player since 1970 as well. The top pick in the 1973 draft was 18 years and 66 days old after quickly moving up to the big leagues that same season. Rangers officials were previously criticized for calling on Clyde so soon and the pitcher…

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Author : Chris Moore

Publish date : 2024-07-18 16:06:35

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