Those pushing wunderkind Cavan Sullivan would do well to recall the fate of Freddy Adu

Seconds before the interval, the Philadelphia Union broke down the San Diego FC right. Upon reaching the box, one-time Aston Villa prospect Indiana Vassilev slid the ball across to the onrushing Cavan Sullivan. The 16-year-old allowed it to caress the heel of his left foot, diverting it to the far corner for the opening goal. A marvellous cameo of improvisation. Sixteen minutes later, Vassilev put him through down the inside left channel and Sullivan fired a second through the goalkeeper’s legs. A striker’s finish.

“The kid cannot be stopped,” roared the commentator. “The Cavan show in Cali!”