2 Young Stars, 1 New Fire Season-Ticket Holder: From My Seats

CHICAGO — Cavan Sullivan was a big reason I wanted to be at Soldier Field on Oct. 14.

When a young American soccer player starts generating that much attention, there's something appealing about seeing him in person. You want a look for yourself, beyond the highlights and the conversation about what he might become.

Sullivan gave us something to remember. But with Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi on the same field, there was another young player worth paying attention to.

Tuesday's announcement made that connection official: Sullivan finished No. 1 on Major League Soccer's 2026 22 Under 22 list. Mbokazi was No. 4.

And I've added another reason to keep watching: I'm now a Fire season-ticket holder.

Sullivan Gives Chicago A Look

Sullivan, 17, helped Philadelphia turn a halftime deficit into a 3-1 victory over the Fire. His assist on Bruno Damiani's go-ahead goal in the 55th minute carried significance beyond that night's result.

It was his 21st goal contribution of the season — seven goals and 14 assists — setting an MLS single-season record for a teenager, according to the league.

That's a substantial season for someone who had just turned 17. It also gives some weight to all that attention. Sullivan is already helping decide games.

The Fire had given the home crowd something to celebrate when Maren Haile-Selassie scored just before halftime. But Jack Elliott's second yellow card in first-half stoppage time left Chicago playing with 10 men.

Philadelphia took advantage. Milan Iloski equalized in the 49th minute, Sullivan helped set up Damiani six minutes later, and Damiani scored again in the 67th.

For someone there partly to see Sullivan, the assist was a memorable moment. For someone becoming more invested in the Fire, the second half was a frustrating one.

Both things can be true.

Sullivan apparently left wanting more himself. Despite the record, he criticized his performance afterward and said he needed to review the film. That's an interesting response from a teenager whose team had just won its eighth straight match.

Mbokazi Deserves His Share Of The Attention

Less than a week later, the Fire had their own young player to celebrate.

Mbokazi's No. 4 ranking marked the fifth time a Chicago player finished in the top five of the annual list, according to the club.

The 21-year-old defender's résumé already includes 15 senior international appearances for South Africa, four of them at the 2026 World Cup. He led this year's 22 Under 22 class in senior national team appearances.

That is considerable experience to bring into a first MLS season.

Mbokazi had made 19 appearances, including 17 starts, across all competitions through Tuesday's announcement. After an injury kept him out following the World Cup, he returned with an 80-minute appearance in Chicago’s Sept. 26 win over Charlotte, then played four consecutive full matches.

A defender's work can require a different kind of attention from the stands. The decisive pass or finish is easy to follow. Positioning, decisions and the work that prevents a chance from developing can be less obvious.

Mbokazi's recognition is a good reason to watch that part of the game more closely. Chicago has one of the league's most highly regarded young players in its own lineup.

A New Season-Ticket Holder, With Playoffs Ahead

Buying season tickets adds a little more investment to all of this.

There's the attraction of seeing players such as Sullivan when they come through Chicago. There's also the opportunity to follow the Fire regularly — to see how Mbokazi develops and how this team handles the games that matter.

The immediate picture includes both progress and work to do.

Chicago followed the Philadelphia defeat with a 1-0 loss at New England on Oct. 17. The Fire nevertheless clinched a playoff berth, securing consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since 2009.

They head into Saturday's visit to Atlanta with 48 points and a record of 14 wins, 10 losses and six draws. Four regular-season matches remain. The playoff place is secured; the two straight losses give Chicago something to address before the postseason begins.

Kickoff against Atlanta United is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central Time Oct. 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The match will stream on Apple TV, with English radio coverage at wlsam.com and Spanish coverage on TUDN Chicago 106.7-HD2 and the Uforia by TREBEL app.

I went to Soldier Field wanting to see Sullivan, and I'm glad I did. With season tickets now part of the picture, I’ll have more opportunities to watch Mbokazi, too.

Eric DeGrechie has been a journalist for 26 years (with Patch since 2020) and is a former sports reporter, Windy City Soccer Dad (on social media) and Chicago Fire FC season-ticket holder.

Past Coverage

• Fire Beat Vancouver 3-1, Climb To Fourth In Eastern Conference
• Record Crowd Watches Fire, Messi’s Inter Miami Battle To Draw At Soldier Field