Philadelphia Union Homegrown Cavan Sullivan scores game-winning goal and adds an assist to earn MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP honors
COLUMBUS, OHIO (Tuesday, July 23, 2024) – The third edition of the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate 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.
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 (Watch Here). 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 (Watch Here).
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 (Watch Here). 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 (Watch Here).
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 (Watch Here). 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 (Watch Here).
2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate – 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)
PHOTOGRAPHY
CLICK HERE for select photos from Tuesday’s MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate.
You can find the full selection of editorial, rights-free imagery from the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate here: MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate
Please credit “USA Today Sports – Trevor Ruszkowski” or “USA Today Sports – Joseph Maiorana”
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- Username: AllStarPhotos@mlssoccer.com
- Password: Columbus2024!
VIDEO & SOUNDBYTES
Rights-free video assets and soundbytes from the post-match mixed zone will be available HERE.
About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2023-24 season included 29 MLS academies, 114 Elite Academies (143 total clubs), 677 teams and over 15,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and DoorDash. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) protects people from life’s uncertainties with a wide array of protection for autos, homes, electronic devices and identity theft. Products are available through a broad distribution network including Allstate agents, independent agents, major retailers, online and at the workplace. Allstate is widely known for the slogan “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate.” For more information, visit www.allstate.com.
