Philadelphia Union boss Bradley Carnell has challenged Cavan Sullivan to have "different tools" after the teenager's impressive performance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Sullivan scored and assisted twice as they beat Defence Force 7-0 in their Champions Cup first round second leg, with the midfielder scoring his first-ever goals for the Union.

The 16-year-old also became the youngest American to score in the competition, while he directly contributed to five goals (two goals, three assists) across the two legs of the tie.

Philadelphia, who won the Supporters Shield last year, were stunned by D.C. United in their 2026 MLS opener, while they host New York City FC next on Saturday.

Carnell has encouraged Sullivan to keep developing his game as the youngster makes his mark in the first team.

"It's good. It's another moment in the right direction, and I'm still very critical," joked Carnell about Sullivan's performance.

"I'm still very critical in certain moments, like when he can find a team-mate, but I thought he worked his way back into the game.

"You can see Cavan tried to make every moment in the final third a moment that counts, which is great. And we like that about Cavan.

"I always challenge him to find the balance of when to choose which is the right moment. It's like a contractor with a toolbox and which tool do I need?

"We are just trying to make sure he has different tools in different moments to deal with different situations.

"He's on the right path. He's enjoying it."

Eastern Conference finalists from last season, NYCFC, started their 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against 10-man LA Galaxy last weekend.

NYCFC were one of just six teams in the East to pick up at least a point in the opening round of fixtures in the MLS this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Milan Illoski

Milan Iloski led Philadelphia with five shot attempts against D.C., which amounted to 0.28 expected goals (xG).

Since joining the Union last August, Iloski has attempted 34 shots, more than twice as many as any other player for the club (Tai Baribo – 16).

New York City FC – Nicolas Fernandez

Nicolas Fernandez scored NYCFC's equalising goal from the penalty spot against the Galaxy.

Including playoffs, Fernandez has scored (four) or assisted (one) five of NYCFC's last eight MLS goals dating back to last season.

MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

The Union's 1-0 loss at D.C. marked their first season-opening defeat since 2020, when they lost 2-0 at FC Dallas. Philadelphia have lost their first two matches of a season only twice, doing so in 2012 and 2019.

NYCFC came back to earn a 1-1 draw at LA Galaxy in their season opener after conceding less than 90 seconds into the match. Last year, they earned 23 points from losing positions, tied for the most in MLS (Dallas, San Diego FC).

Only two of the 27 all-time meetings between Philadelphia and NYCFC in all competitions have been drawn, with NYCFC holding the slight edge, recording 13 wins to the Union's 12.

The teams have alternated wins in the last six meetings, with NYCFC winning the last meeting in last year’s playoffs.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 48.5%

Draw – 25.8%

New York City FC – 25.7%