Sullivan brothers star as Union beat Toronto

Brothers Cavan and Quinn Sullivan, both of Bangladeshi heritage, combined for three goals as Philadelphia Union beat Toronto FC 4-1 on Saturday, ending a four-game winless run and avoiding the MLS wild-card round.

Seventeen-year-old Cavan scored twice and won a penalty, which his brother Quinn converted it. The brace took Cavan to nine goals and 14 assists this season, extending his MLS record for a teenager’s goal contributions.

The result lifted the Union to sixth in the Eastern Conference. They now face third-seeded New England Revolution in a best-of-three first-round series.

Cavan opened the scoring in the 28th minute, slotting Indiana Vassilev’s pass into an empty net. In the 41st, Richard Chukwu fouled Cavan in the box and Quinn made it 2-0 from the spot.

Toronto responded in first-half stoppage time. Josh Sargent headed home Djordje Mihailovic’s corner in the 45+7th minute.

The brothers linked up again in the 58th minute. Quinn released Cavan on a counter-attack, and the younger Sullivan finished first-time for his second goal.

Bruno Damiani added a penalty in the 73rd minute, his 13th goal of the season, to complete the scoring.

Toronto lost their second straight game, following a 3-1 defeat by Atlanta United, and missed the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.

The Sullivans were born in the United States, but their roots reach Bangladesh, as their maternal grandmother hails from Dhaka.

Cavan has already made his debut for the US while his brothers, twins Ronan and Declan, have featured for Bangladesh in the SAFF Under-20 Championship.

Ronan was called up in the Bangladesh squad for the SAFF Championship 2026, but could not arrive owing to an injury.

Cavan will next join the US national team for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti on November 14.