Cavan Sullivan Set for First USMNT Call-Up in Pochettino’s September Squad

Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan is expected to be included in Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man United States squad for four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada between September 26 and October 6.

Key takeaways

• Sullivan, 16, could become the second-youngest player to appear for the United States men’s team, behind Freddy Adu.
• The Union midfielder has helped Philadelphia secure a playoff place and the club have not lost a league match since the World Cup.
• Christian Pulisic is set to miss the camp as he continues his recovery from a leg fracture.
• The roster is expected to feature a strong youth element, with several MLS academy prospects linked to selection.

Sullivan in line for senior breakthrough

Sullivan’s anticipated senior call-up would continue a long progression through the United States youth system. He first represented the country at under-15 level and has remained a regular around youth national-team squads.

His club form has strengthened his case. Philadelphia have revived their season sufficiently to reach the MLS playoffs, while their league unbeaten run has extended from the end of the World Cup. Sullivan has been a prominent figure in that improvement.

Should he take the field in one of the four matches, Sullivan would move into second place on the list of the youngest USMNT debutants. Adu remains the record holder after making his first senior appearance in January 2006.

Earlier this month, Sullivan said a first-team invitation was an ambition but insisted his focus remained on his weekly performances. He said that being selected would be “great,” but added that a missed call would not alter his approach to improving from game to game.

Pulisic absent as younger players are considered

The squad will be without Pulisic, who has not fully recovered from the leg fracture suffered in the United States’ World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. The AC Milan attacking midfielder has made only two appearances for his club this season.

Pochettino is expected to name a relatively young group for the first international window of the year. New York Red Bulls prospects Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti have been associated with potential call-ups, along with Zavier Gozo, Mathis Albert and Sullivan’s Philadelphia teammate Neil Pierre.

The United States face a demanding sequence of fixtures in a period of less than two weeks, beginning with games against Peru and Chile before meetings with Mexico and Canada. The complete 26-player roster is due to be announced on Thursday morning.