Cavan Sullivan calls it 'a cool opportunity' to be on the USMNT with Christian Pulisic

There was a bigger crowd than usual at Thursday’s Union practice, and Ryan Richter had a hunch about why.

“Something with Cavan,” he quipped as he sat down for his weekly news conference.

Indeed it was, a day after Cavan Sullivan and Neil Pierre were named to the latest U.S. men’s national team roster. Both earned the selection after playing well for their country in their debuts, and continuing to perform for their club.

“Greatest honor there is,” Sullivan told The Inquirer. “I’m just really excited and looking forward to it.”

This squad iscombining eras, as Sullivan and other young players join forces with veteran stars Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

“It’s really full-circle to get the chance to play with some of the guys I’ve looked up to all my life,” Sullivan said. “Some of these players are world class, and I’m just really excited. I grew up watching them and admiring them, so it is going to be a cool opportunity. Looking forward to making new friends, and just having fun representing the country.”

» READ MORE: Cavan Sullivan and Christian Pulisic are set to be USMNT teammates for the first time

There could also be a chance to play against Union teammate Danley Jean Jacques.

“We’re already talking crap to each other,” Sullivan quipped. “It’s all fun though. That’s a brother, so it will be cool to face him on the national team level.”

He also understands the serious side of the moment for Haiti. Though Les Grenadiers seized the world’s hearts this summer by playing in their first men’s World Cup since 1974, they haven’t played a home game on their own soil in five years. Their game of this series will be played in Miami, where the expat community will fill the stands.

“We obviously feel for them,” Sullivan said. “I’ve talked to Danley, and he said it’s going to be a great atmosphere, and there will be a lot of Haiti fans.”

» READ MORE: Another sign of Cavan Sullivan’s popularity: His Union jersey sales are big

Former Union centerback Auston Trusty paid a visit to his old stomping grounds Thursday, though unfortunately it was for a sad reason. He’s in town because his father Walter passed away last month. There will be a celebration of life service Saturday in the family’s longtime hometown of Media.

Walter Trusty spent many of his 74 years involved in local sports, including as a youth basketball coach in Media. He came to know soccer as Auston grew into it, following his son across the world’s game. Auston’s tribute post on Instagram featured photos from many of those stops: the University of North Carolina, the Union, the Colorado Rapids, England’s Birmingham City, Scotland’s Celtic, and the U.S. men’s national team.

The last image is the most poignant: Walter and his wife of 48 years, LeAnn, holding Auston’s daughter at a family gathering. She was born in April 2025.

“I would never be the person I am today without you, your guidance, and your unwavering dedication to our family,” Auston wrote. “You gave us everything, and I will spend my life trying to make you proud. To wear the Trusty name on the back of my shirt will forever be my greatest honor. I couldn’t be prouder to be your son.”

» READ MORE: Longtime Union captain Alejandro Bedoya will retire at the end of the season

As the Union came off the field Thursday, Trusty chatted with old coaches and teammates, including Kai Wagner and Alejandro Bedoya. He gave Richter, a longtime acquaintance, signed Celtic and Birmingham jerseys. And earlier in the day, he joined some Union academy players to get in a workout.

“When I came out for training, I looked over on the field where the academy school training was going on,” Richter said. “I see this 6-foot-4, left-footed striker. I’m like, I haven’t seen that kid. Who is he?”

A closer look quickly showed a familiar face.

“It’s awesome that he came and jumped in with that,” Richter continued. “It’s awesome for the kids to be able to see a kid that was in basically the same position that they are in now, and now is a senior international playing in [Europe’s] Champions League, and has made an amazing career for himself. … We’re family to him, and I have a great relationship with him.”

After the weekend, Trusty will head to national team duty. Camp at U.S. Soccer’s national training center in suburban Atlanta starts Monday, leading up to the games on Nov. 14 in Miami and Nov. 17 in Cincinnati.

» READ MORE: Ryan Richter isn’t worried about the Union’s latest loss. The big picture shows he doesn’t have to be.

Another notable presence at Union practice was midfielder CJ Olney, who recently finished a year on loan with Brooklyn FC of the second-tier USL Championship. Forwards Eddy Davis and Stas Korzeniowski have also been on loans to clubs in that league that are wrapping up: Loudoun United and Rhode Island FC, respectively.

With Malik Jakupović all but certain to head to the U.S. Under-17 World Cup team later this month, those players could come in handy if the Union want more attacking depth in the playoffs. But MLS rules make them ineligible. Anyone who returns from a loan after the annual roster freeze deadline — this year’s was Oct. 9 — can’t play in games.