Cavan Sullivan leads East Team to comeback victory in MLS NEXT All-Star Game

(Photo Credit: USA Today Sports -Trevor Ruszkowski) 

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The third edition of the MLS NEXT All-Star Game saw the East squad come back from a two-goal deficit to win 4-2 against the West at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

After becoming the youngest player in major league sports history to make his debut last week, Philadelphia Union Homegrown Cavan Sullivan was named the game’s Most Valuable Player by scoring the game-winning goal and adding an assist.

He’s the @MLSNEXT MVP and Golden Boot winner for a reason. 👀

Cavan Sullivan finds Stefan Chirila to secure victory for the East in the #MLSNEXTAllStar Game pres. by @Allstate. 🎖️ pic.twitter.com/BEamcDhQr3

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 23, 2024

The West squad got off to a fast start in the 12th minute as Albion SC LA forward Anthony Boyadjian turned home a pass from Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Liam Mackenzie, becoming the first player from an MLS NEXT Elite Academy to score in the history of the All-Star Game. Just two minutes later, another Elite Academy product – Strikers FC’s Skylar Kaplan – doubled the score after his terrific volley was saved from close range and he finished off the rebound for the goal.

In the 19th minute, the East All-Stars got on the board when Nelson Hernandez of D.C. United found himself in space and chipped the West goalkeeper. Just before the halftime whistle, Hernandez turned provider, stealing the ball away with a great tackle in his own half before driving forward and finding New York City FC Homegrown Drew Baiera, who slotted home his effort.

With the game up for grabs in the second half, 14-year-old Union sensation Cavan Sullivan proved to be the difference maker, drawing a penalty and converting from the spot in the 77th minute. As the West side pushed forward for an equalizer, Sullivan stole the ball at midfield and found FC Cincinnati forward Stefan Chirila driving toward the goalkeeper. The 2023-24 MLS NEXT MVP presented by adidas (U-17) in the regular season, Chirila brushed off a defender and picked out the corner of the net to wrap up the 4-2 victory.

2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game – GAME NOTES

1 2 T
East 2 2 4
West 2 0 2

Scoring Summary
WEST – Anthony Boyadjian (Albion SC LA), 12’
WEST – Skylar Kaplan (Strikers FC), 14’
EAST – Nelson Hernandez (D.C. United), 19’
EAST – Drew Baiera (New York City FC), 45+3’
EAST – Cavan Sullivan, PK (Philadelphia Union), 77’
EAST – Stefan Chirila (FC Cincinnati), 90’

MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP
East All-Star Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)