As the MLS' World Cup break came to a close, the Philadelphia Union were more or less dead in the water.
At 1-4-10 (wins - draws - losses), the Union accumulated just seven points through their first fifteen games and found themselves in the Eastern Conference basement. That's a far cry from the 66 points and 20 victories that the club secured during the 2025 MLS campaign, which was enough to give them the Supporters' Shield title and a direct route to a home MLS Cup. But the Union exited the fray during the conference semifinals, losing 1-0 to New York City FC.
With that pre-World Cup mark, it seemed that an unlikely turnaround would be required to even give themselves a chance at building off of their performance in last season's MLS Cup Playoffs.
Fortunately, it seems that turnaround is underway
Since returning from the World Cup break, the Union has become one of the strongest teams in MLS. The club is currently enjoying a seven-game unbeaten run in MLS action, which consists of a 5-2-0 record. Two of those wins came against Red Bull New York, who still hold one of the two Eastern Conference wild card spots, while one of the other results during that run was a 2-2 draw with Inter Miami.
Philadelphia's surge has brought them within a point of Orlando City for the final playoff spot, though the latter is mired in a three-way tie with an in-form Toronto FC side that has looked much better since bringing in Niklas Dorsch and a D.C. United side that hasn't won since late July. Red Bull New York is only one point clear of that madness, while Atlanta United, Montreal, and the Columbus Crew are all within two wins of a playoff spot.
The Union will have to continue their run of form through an important final 12 games of the season. That run starts on Saturday with a home game against Montreal, but the most important match of the home stretch will take place on September 26, when the Union hosts Orlando City in a game that could easily shape the battle for the final few playoff spots.
One player who has been instrumental for the Union's success? Cavan Sullivan
Despite his German and Bangladeshi background, Cavan Sullivan represented the United States' under-15 squad during the early stages of his international career.
But with his recent performance at the club level, he could find himself in line for a direct promotion to the USMNT.
After scoring just once before the World Cup break, Sullivan recorded an additional three goals in all competitions; two of them came during the Union's most recent matches. He's also recorded four assists since play resumed following the World Cup, while his expected goals ratio has surpassed 0.80 in two of his last three contests.
Though a red card against Inter Miami will take away from some of the attacking form Sullivan has enjoyed, he has nonetheless been a key part of why Philadelphia is even in the MLS playoff race at this stage of the regular season.
Could further success in MLS play give Mauricio Pochettino something to think about?
The USMNT's first post-World Cup contest is scheduled for September 26 against Peru, the same day that Philadelphia takes on Orlando in MLS action.
Including that contest, the Union has five matches separating them from the start of the next international break (vs Montreal, vs Cincinnati, at San Diego, at Sporting KC, vs Orlando City). The next three matches will almost certainly be instrumental in determining whether Sullivan is considered for the next international window, though there is always a chance Mauricio Pochettino's decision-making process yields some value for the Sporting KC game.
Ideally, Sullivan needs to score two more goals and/or record a few more assists. If he is to oust attacking members of the USMNT's World Cup squad for a role during the upcoming international window, he needs to prove that he can be a better scorer than them.
It's hard to see him getting included over someone like Sebastian Berhalter or Gio Reyna, but it's possible that he ousts a defender should Pochettino opt for an attacking-focused lineup and decide to bring fewer defenders into this international window. Cristian Roldan could find himself out of international action this fall, especially given his past injury situation and that he only played the role of a substitute at the World Cup.
Even though he's one of many young Americans looking for a way into the USMNT, his inclusion would be incredibly significant. If Sullivan were to be included in the USMNT roster for the September-October international window, he would be one of the youngest Americans ever upon making their international debut. If he made his debut against Peru, he would be a mere 129 days older than Freddy Adu (the current record holder for the youngest American to make their first USMNT appearance) when he made his USMNT debut.
A lot would still need to go right for Sullivan to find his way into the USMNT lineup for the end of September, but it's safe to assume that he is on the right track towards history.
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