Will Cavan Sullivan Play for Philadelphia Union vs. Austin FC After Red Card Drama?

The Philadelphia Union will have Cavan Sullivan available for selection on Saturday, despite the 16-year-old phenom picking up a red card in Wednesday’s 2–2 draw against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

Sullivan, who has been in incredible form for the Union and has a goal and three assists in his last four games, got into an altercation with Miami’s Yannick Bright amid a brawl in stoppage time as tensions rose between the last two Supporters’ Shield champions.

The USMNT and Manchester City prospect came into the scrum after his older brother Quinn Sullivan got entangled with Miami’s Ian fray and Gonazlo Luján. Cavan Sullivan suffered a punch to the face from Bright, and both earned automatic red cards.

However, MLS announced on Friday that Sullivan’s red card had been rescinded after review, making him eligible for Saturday’s clash against Austin FC. The Union look to continue stretch their unbeaten streak to six games and return to winning ways after the draw against Miami.

After earning the red card, Sullivan had become the youngest-ever player to be sent off in MLS history, and has since become the youngest player to ever have a red card reversed. Bright however, won’t be eligible for Miami’s match against Toronto FC, and his teammates, Fray and Messi were both fined by MLS due to their actions in the late stages of Wednesday’s match.

Union Pushing for Playoffs

Cavan Sullivan has helped the Union's push for the MLS Cup playoffs. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite being the defending Supporters’ Shield champions, the Union are fighting tooth and nail to qualify for the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs. They began the season with 2025 MLS Coach of the Year Bradley Carnell at the helm, but secured just one win in their first 15 games. The club eventually parted ways with Carnell in May, opening the door for Ryan Richter to step in as an interim manager.

Under Richter, the Union have slowly built confidence and he has given more opportunities to younger players. His managerial approach has sparked a breakout campaign for Sullivan, and also brought eyes to 18-year-old 6’7” center back Neil Pierre, who has impressed on both sides of the ball.

With five games undefeated and four wins in that spell, the Union enter Saturday with 20 points with 14 games remaining, just four points short of the ninth and final spot in the MLS Cup playoffs, currently held by D.C. United on 24 points.

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