Richter predicts Sullivan will only get better for Philadelphia

Philadelphia Union head coach Ryan Richter believes there is still more to come from Cavan Sullivan following his stellar breakout campaign.

The 17-year-old has been a revelation for the Union and has netted seven goals as well as providing 11 assists in 2026, putting him in the spotlight.

This week, he topped the MLS' 22 Under 22 ranking, becoming the youngest winner of the award, breaking Alphonso Davies' (17 years 255 days) record by some way (17y 22d).

Richter, who took over at Philadelphia in May, knew Sullivan from earlier in his career, and he has been impressed by his development, but remains confident he has more levels to reach.

"He's different than anything I've seen over the last 10 years working in this club and first team level, academy level, second team level; he's different," Richter told GOAL.

"But no one can predict that he was going to have even just the production overall.

"I'm happy for him, proud of him, but he needs to keep his head down. And he will because he has big goals and he's a driven kid.

"But we need to keep him going and pushing for more, keep getting better, keep impacting games more, and let's see what we can do."

Next up for Philadelphia, who are sixth in the Eastern Conference and on a 15-game unbeaten streak, are the New England Revolution, who are flying high in third.

After back-to-back losses on either side of the international break, the Revs have responded with consecutive wins, edging past the Chicago Fire 1-0 last time out.

Carles Gil has led their playoff charge this term, setting up the winner in that game, and he is keen to keep their winning run going.

"The most important thing is to win," Gil said. "It's difficult, because we start the [regular] season and there are 30 teams looking for that, to win [MLS Cup], and just one can do it so it's difficult.

"We need to continue step-by-step. The most important thing in the beginning was to be competitive, and for sure we are right now.

"Like I said, continue. I think, first try to be in the best place possible. Hopefully, we can play the games in the playoffs at home and then try to win."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Cavan Sullivan

Sullivan did not get on the scoresheet in the draw with Charlotte, but he still led Philadelphia's attack with a game-high five shots and 11 touches in the opposition box.

He also created two chances for his team-mates and had the second-most touches (61), but he will be determined to hit the back of the net to add to his seven MLS goals against New England.

New England Revolution – Matt Polster

Matt Polster scored his second goal of the campaign to help New England to victory over Chicago, netting with his only shot of the game.

However, the midfielder was also influential in breaking up and linking the play, winning possession back seven times (a team high) and playing 10 crosses, with only Carles Gil (23) attempting more.

MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

Philadelphia were on a six-match winning run against New England in MLS, but the Revs snapped that streak with a 2-1 victory back in May.

On home soil this season, the Union have secured 26 points from a possible 45 on offer in 15 MLS contests and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches at Subaru Park (W7 D5).

New England have six wins, two draws, and seven losses on their travels this season in league matches, but they have won three of their last four such matches, meaning Philadelphia will be given a tough test.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 57.2%

Draw – 22.2%

New England Revolution – 20.6%