At Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, the East team overcame a two-goal deficit to triumph 4-2 versus the West in the third installment of the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. Cavan Sullivan, a native of the Philadelphia Union, was voted the game’s Most Valuable Player after becoming the youngest player in major league sports history to make his debut last week. Sullivan scored the game-winning goal and added an assist.
In the 12th minute, Anthony Boyadjian of Albion SC LA scored a goal off a ball from Liam Mackenzie of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, giving the West team their first-ever goal in the All-Star Game’s history. Boyadjian is the first player from an MLS NEXT Elite Academy.
Two minutes later, Skylar Kaplan of Strikers FC, another product of the Elite Academy, doubled the score after his amazing volley was saved at close range and he finished off the rebound for the goal.
The East All-Stars took the lead in the 19th minute when D.C. native Nelson Hernandez scored. United moved into space and gave the West goalie a chip.
The 14-year-old Union wonder Cavan Sullivan made the difference in the 77th minute when the game was still in play by drawing a penalty and scoring from the spot.
Sullivan snatched the ball near midfield and found FC Cincinnati forward Stefan Chirila rushing toward the goalkeeper as the West side pushed forward for an equalizer. Chirila, the 2023–24 MLS NEXT MVP presented by adidas (U–17) in the regular season, finished the game with a 4–2 triumph after dribbling past a defender and finding the corner of the net.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.