American soccer prospect Cavan Sullivan, 16, was involved in a contentious moment at the end of a Major League Soccer game on Wednesday night, where he appeared to be struck by an Inter Miami player. The incident occurred in the 101st minute of a 2-2 draw between the Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami.
During a scuffle in the penalty box, Sullivan's older brother, Quinn Sullivan, lifted Inter Miami's Ian Fray and slammed him to the ground. Video appears to show Fray stepping on Quinn as he attempted to get up. Four Inter Miami players then approached the scene to assist Fray. Cavan Sullivan then entered the fray to aid his brother and teammate.
He was met by Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. It appeared that Bright made contact with Cavan Sullivan's face with a fist. Sullivan remained on his feet, pushed Bright away, and was escorted from the field.
Bright received a red card for his actions. Cavan Sullivan was also sent off, and his brother Quinn received a yellow card. This ejection means Cavan Sullivan will be suspended for Philadelphia's upcoming game against Austin.
Earlier in the match, Lionel Messi scored his first goal since his father's death, finding the back of the net in the 26th minute. Messi has recorded 13 goals and nine assists in 17 MLS games this season. He has scored six goals and provided four assists in six matches against the Union across all competitions.
The Philadelphia Union took the lead in the first half with a volley from Indiana Vassilev, assisted by Sullivan. In the 58th minute, 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre scored to equalize for Inter Miami. The Union thought they had retaken the lead in the 62nd minute through Milan Iloski, but the goal was disallowed after a review determined Pierre was offside in the buildup.