Following Philadelphia Union's 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium, Homegrowns Cavan Sullivan and Neil Pierre were named to the MLS Team of the Matchday Starting XI for Matchday 23.
Both Homegrowns found the back of the net as the Union extended their MLS unbeaten streak to seven matches. The honor marks Sullivan's fourth Team of the Matchday selection this season and Pierre's third.
Pierre continued his impressive run of form with his fourth goal of the season. The 18-year-old center back's strike set a new Union single-season record for goals by a defender. Since MLS play resumed following the FIFA World Cup break, Pierre has recorded four goals and one assist, with his four goals leading all MLS defenders during that span.​
Sullivan also added to his breakout 2026 campaign, scoring his second goal since the World Cup break. The 16-year-old has now recorded a goal contribution in four consecutive regular-season matches, becoming just the third player age 18 or younger in MLS history to accomplish the feat and the first 16-year-old ever to do so.
Since returning from the World Cup break, Sullivan has totaled two goals and three assists, while Pierre has contributed four goals and one assist. Together, the Homegrown duo has combined for 10 goal contributions during Philadelphia's seven-match unbeaten run, helping the Union earn 17 points and move within one point of a playoff position.
The Union return to Subaru Park on Saturday, September 5th, to host CF Montréal. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on Apple TV.
