Union will push for silverware without injured USMNT talisman

On Monday, Sullivan announced that he'd suffered a torn ACL in the Union's 6-0 win over D.C. United on Saturday. The injury will keep him out of Philadelphia's playoff run and will likely eliminate him from contention for Mauricio Pochettino's U.S. Men's National Team squad at the 2026 World Cup.

It's a massive blow for the Union. While Golden Boot candidate Tai Baribo is the team's star and USMNT veteran Alejandro Bedoya is its legend, Sullivan — Philadelphia's first homegrown player to reach a century of games — is undoubtedly the secret weapon. His shifty, creative playmaking is the magic that pushed the club into rarefied MLS air in 2025. 

First in the league in points and wins. Last in the league in conceded shots. It's Sullivan, conducting play from his flexible position in the middle of the field, making it all happen for the Union.

Could Philadelphia Union target surprising option as a substitute?

Sullivan can't be replaced. There's no like-for-like substitute for him on Philadelphia's notoriously thin roster. If it hopes to continue its trophy push without him, it's going to have to shape-shift one more time.

The first, and perhaps the most obvious, backfill for Sullivan is fellow USMNT prospect Indiana Vassilev. The young midfielder arrived in Philadelphia this summer after he was found surplus to requirements in St. Louis. (How St. Louis, languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference as it is, must be kicking itself for that decision.) 

He's not quite as versatile as Sullivan and prefers to perform as a traditional No. 10, but when he's on, he's on, and he adds real bite to the Union's famous attack. Newcomer Milan Iloski, who cut his teeth in San Diego before joining Philadelphia this summer, could also step in —but he's thrived more as an impact substitute than as a key starter since his arrival. There is one other option for the Union, though, and it hits very close to home: Sullivan's younger brother Cavan.

Cavan, still just 16 years old, has received rapturous reviews for his maturity and skill. He became the youngest player in MLS history when he debuted for the Union in 2024 at age 14, beating the previous record holder, Freddy Adu, by 13 days. (In a way, you have to feel for Quinn. While he was busy lifting Philadelphia to the top of the league, his little brother was busy generating all the headlines. Make no mistake about it, though: both are incredible talents.)

Cavan may not be ready, and that's ok; 16 is still awfully young to be playing a key role in a silverware hunt. But if you're the Union, you must be looking at the situation and stroking your chin. Quinn's shoes are big ones to fill, but if there's anyone who could find comfort and familiarity in them, surely it's his younger brother, correct?

We'll see. For now, Philadelphia must learn how to evolve without its shape-shifting young superstar. It will continue its MLS Supporters' Shield campaign on Saturday, Oct. 4, against New York City FC before closing it out on Decision Day away at Charlotte FC.