Major League Soccer has announced its fines for Matchday 31, with Philadelphia Union starlet Cavan Sullivan amongst those handed fines.
The U.S. Men’s National Team star, who recently turned 17, was fined an unspecified amount by the MLS Disciplinary Committee “for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 84th minute of Philadelphia’s match against Charlotte FC on October 17.”
The incident in question saw Sullivan fall to the turf as he attempted to run past defender Morrison Agyemang, with the game tied 2-2.
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Ultimately, the game wound up finishing a draw, with Charlotte ending the week fifth in the Eastern Conference on 47 points and Philadelphia one point and as many places behind them. Neither side has yet to clinch a playoff berth with just four games remaining, although the top four have nailed down their spots.
The prodigiously talented Sullivan’s antics did not sit well with former Aston Villa and Burnley midfielder, and current Charlotte captain, Ashley Westwood. Speaking after the game, the 36-year-old MLS All-Star commented, “I’ve only seen him today, really. But he’s a talented player. I don’t like his diving. He needs to stop that. I said that to him. If he wants to go to the next level, he needs to stop that.
“He’s a top player. For someone his age, he’s got a very, very good future in the game. Like I said, he’s not scared to say things. He tries things. And he runs around. He’s got all the attributes.”
Sullivan would be smart to heed Westwood’s advice, given that the youngster is set to move to Premier League giants Manchester City once he turns 18, as per an agreement between the two sides. Whether or not City’s recent guilty verdict and ongoing attempt to appeal the ruling will have any effect on Sullivan’s move remains to be seen - although USMNT legend Tim Howard was unfazed when discussing the matter.
“I wouldn't advise Cavan and his family any differently,” the former Everton shot stopper said on his and Landon Donovan’s ‘Unfiltered Soccer’ podcast. “Look, if Man City stay afloat and are the Man City that we know, whether they're in the Premier League or the Championship, bear in mind they've bought a lot of players given their financial situation; they also know how to produce players.
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“They know how to get the best out of players…their players don't fail a lot. Oscar Bobb went to Fulham. Cole Palmer went to Chelsea. Their players don't fail. So he's not going to fail there because there's uncertainty.
“If he gets more playing time because they're in the Championship, great for him. If they're in the Premier League and they want to play him, great. If they were gonna bring him over and they were going to loan him out to another European club, great. Their plan for him, he's okay. His development will not get hampered in any way, shape, or form.”
Sullivan is currently enjoying a breakout season with Philly, with 10 goals and 11 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions, having nailed down a spot as a regular starter as of late April.
Next up for Philadelphia is a visit from the high-flying New England Revolution, who sit third in the East and have secured a Playoff spot heading into Saturday’s game.