Cavan Sullivan Scores Wondergoal in Philadelphia Union’s 3-1 Win Over Red Bulls

Philadelphia Union defeated Red Bull New York 3-1 on August 30, 2026, in north Jersey, propelled by a highlight-reel goal from 18-year-old Cavan Sullivan in the 51st minute.

Match Overview and First-Half Action

Red Bull New York threatened shortly after when Julian Hall pushed off Nathan Harriel in the 31st minute, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake secured a critical save, backed by a subsequent defensive clearance from Harriel.

The intensity carried through the first half as both sides traded missed opportunities. Justin Che cleared a dangerous ball off the line to deny Neil Pierre in stoppage time, keeping the score tight heading into the intermission.

Sullivan’s Wondergoal and Second-Half Surge

The second half broke open immediately when New York’s Julian Hall struck the goalpost just 12 seconds after the restart. In the 51st minute, Cavan Sullivan delivered the defining moment of the match. Jean Jacques launched a cross-field pass to Sullivan on the right wing, where the young midfielder trapped the ball, cut inward, and fired a strike into the far corner of the net to stun the home crowd.

The match climate shifted decisively following Sullivan’s strike. Neil Pierre added a third goal for the visitors in the 65th minute off a free-kick service from Iloski, heading home at the back post past former U.S. national team goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

Closing Minutes and Standings Impact

Red Bull New York responded in the 74th minute through 37-year-old substitute striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who entered at halftime when manager Michael Bradley shifted to a two-striker formation. However, the home side failed to produce further breakthroughs against the resolute Philadelphia defense.

The 3-1 victory lifts the Union to 6-10-6 with 24 points, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference and just one point behind Toronto FC for the final playoff position. New York sits at 7-10-5 with 26 points.