Sullivan Sparks Philadelphia Union to Dominant 5-0 Win

Sullivan leads the charge

Cavan Sullivan put on a show on Sunday night, scoring his first two MLS goals in a single match and adding an assist to lead the Philadelphia Union to a 5-0 win over San Diego. The victory keeps the Union rolling, while snapping San Diego's four-game home winning streak.

Sullivan opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time. He used a creative back-heel flick that bounced in off the post. In the 62nd minute, he struck again, powering a shot through the legs of goalkeeper Duran Ferree from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

He was not done yet. Sullivan set up the third goal with a clever chip over the defense. Frankie Westfield chased it down and passed to Bruno Damiani, who scored his fourth goal in two games.

Union extend unbeaten run

The Union are now unbeaten in their last 10 matches since the World Cup break, earning eight wins in that stretch. Their record stands at 9-10-6, while San Diego drops to 8-11-6.

Late in the match, Philadelphia added two more goals to complete the rout. An own goal by Anibal Godoy in the 87th minute made it 4-0. Malik Jakupovic then scored his first MLS goal in stoppage time to seal the 5-0 result.

Goalkeeper Andre Blake also had a historic night. Making his 290th appearance for the Union, Blake made five saves to earn his seventh clean sheet of the season.

Sullivan now has five goals and six assists in his last seven MLS games. He is making a strong case for a spot in Mauricio Pochettino's upcoming U.S. squad. The national team plays a friendly against Peru on Sept. 26, with the roster announcement expected next week.

What it means for the next game

San Diego will travel to Florida to face Miami on Sunday. Meanwhile, Philadelphia will look to keep their hot streak going on the road.

Sporting Kansas City vs Philadelphia Union (MLS, Sun, 20 Sep): Sporting Kansas City win 21%, draw 21%, Philadelphia Union win 58%; expected goals 1.27 to 2.19. Our safest pick: Philadelphia Union or Draw.