Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan Out With ACL Injury

Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan, a promising 21-year-old player, suffered a torn ACL during a match against D.C. United on Saturday, Sept. 27. 

In the sixth minute of the game, Sullivan fell to the ground awkwardly after colliding with D.C.'s João Peglow as they scrambled for a loose ball. Sullivan kept playing, but a few seconds later, he fell again after going after Peglow a second time. At that point, he sat on the ground, raised a hand — a universal signal for help — and grabbed his right knee. Union staff helped him to the locker room.

“Well … this is a message I hoped never to write,“ Sullivan said in an Instagram post. ”I am gutted to not be able to finish this incredible season with the guys, but really proud to be a part of this team. I have full confidence that this special group will lift a trophy. Let's win it @philaunion.“

Sullivan had three goals and eight assists in 31 games for the Union this year. His injury leaves the Union without a significant member of their midfield depth chart. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Milan Iloski and Indiana Vassilev will likely be starters for the rest of the season, with Jeremy Rafanello and Cavan Sullivan first off the bench. Ben Bender and C.J. Olney would follow.

The Union have two games left in the regular season, which include Saturday's home contest with New York City FC (7:30 p.m., Apple TV) and the finale on Oct. 18 at Charlotte FC.

"If Inter Miami drops points on Tuesday at home against the Chicago Fire, a Union win Saturday could clinch first place in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield trophy for the best regular-season record leaguewide," noted The Inquirer's Jonathan Tannenwald.