It’s only been a week since Cavan Sullivan broke the MLS record for youngest player to debut in a match at just 14 years and 293 days, but the teen soccer sensation has become a celebrity of sorts. The latest proof: Cavan made an appearance and greeted fans at the Raising Cane’s on Temple University’s campus Thursday.
Sullivan greeted fans and signed merchandise outside the restaurant. A smaller group of fans got to enter and order a meal from the player himself, as Raising Cane’s had a production crew filming on site.
Sullivan’s teammate and older brother, Quinn, was also in attendance — because, as the 20-year-old joked, somebody had to drive his little brother to the event. Still a couple months shy of 15, Cavan is too young for a learner’s permit in Pennsylvania, let alone a license.
Sullivan made history last Wednesday, when he entered the Union’s 5-1 victory over the New England Revolution in the 85th minute, the youngest player ever to play in a major pro sports league in North America. Ironically, it was immediately after Quinn scored a goal.
When asked about how Cavan deals with all the media attention at such a young age, Quinn says his family’s been a crucial support system. It helps that their dad is a teacher, he said, and has helped to coach Cavan on speaking in public.
After delivering some orders to tables and holding an informal press conference, Cavan went outside the store to meet up with fans who were not able to enter the store. Pictures were taken, merch was signed, and fans left happy.
“It was really cool. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” said 9-year-old Amelia Bryson. She and her sister, Penelope, along with their parents, attend nearly all Philadelphia Union matches.
