Jack McGlynn, Quinn Sullivan Ready For Philadelphia Union, U.S. U20 Experiences in 2023

Jack McGlynn and Quinn Sullivan will be key to the Philadelphia Union's depth in 2023 and the United States' success at the U-20 World Cup.

Jack McGlynn and Quinn Sullivan know the opportunities that are in front of them in 2023 and beyond.

The pair of midfielders are not just building toward future success with the Philadelphia Union, but for the United States men’s national team program as well.

The 19-year-old McGlynn, who inked a new deal that lasts until at least 2025 on Tuesday and the 18-year-old Sullivan should have increased roles with the Union as they embark on a potential 50-plus-game campaign.

“I think that every year we’ve gone into it thinking we’re going to be ready to play our role to the best of our ability, whether that’s as a starter, a sub, or whatever, we’re going to strive to reach the next level,” Sullivan said during the first week of preseason training.

“Obviously, this year there are a lot of games and there’s been a lot of talk about rotation and stuff like that so we’ll be ready and hopefully we can make an impact when that get those moments in a good stretch of games,” Sullivan said.

McGlynn made 23 league appearances in 2022. The midfielder made nine starts and was the first choice off the bench to replace Jose Martinez, Leon Flach or Alejandro Bedoya.

“It’s tough to break into the starting lineup in the best team in MLS,” McGlynn said. “I think it’s something you always have to be ready for. That comes with every day in training always trying your hardest.”

Sullivan was on the field for 17 league contests, with all but one of those appearances coming as a substitute.

The 18-year-old is expected to land a larger role up top for the Union in 2023. He has been used as a striker in preseason as a potential replacement for Cory Burke, who signed with the New York Red Bulls this offseason.

“I’ve shown that I can be a versatile player,” Sullivan said. “I’ve played a bunch of different positions. I’m focusing right now on staying sharp and being ready. I’ve been looked at in the striker role with Cory leaving, so there’s a spot there for me to get solid minutes and make a difference in games. I’ll be ready for whatever position I’m told to play on game day.”

The teenagers recently completed a 10-day camp with the U.S. Under 20s as part of preparations for the U-20 World Cup that will be held in Indonesia from May 20-June 11.

“The U20s as an experience, for me, it’s my first cycle with the national team. So far it’s been amazing,” Sullivan said. “We’ve had a good record. We won Concacaf and we have an upcoming World Cup that I’m sure both of us are hoping to get into and make an impact on the world stage at the U20 level. Right now, our concentration is preparation for this season and we’ll build to hopefully making the World Cup roster.”

“I think it’s a really special group that we have,” McGlynn said. “I think we can go to Indonesia and show the US could be a force for the next couple years. All of our focus is with Philly right now, but it’s always going to be in the back of your mind playing in a World Cup no matter what the age group is. That’s something you dream of as a kid.”

Of course, the natural progression after the U-20 World Cup is to gain appearances for the senior national team, and the dream of playing in the 2026 World Cup on home soil has been in the minds of both players.

“I think it’s everyone’s dream to play in a World Cup growing up as a kid. To be able to do it in your own country that makes it even more special,” McGlynn said.

“It’s been a dream since I can remember the first World Cup that I watched,” Sullivan said. “It’s even more special after it got announced to be in North America. If we were to get a game at the Linc, I know I’d have a lot of family that would be there. I’d have to get my own section for the Linc. A lot of Sullivans would be out at that game. That would be a true dream come true.”

Right now, the focus is on the Union, for whom both players will be vital players. McGlynn should return to the left-sided role of the 4-4-2 diamond when called upon. His level has been pushed by the arrivals of Richard Odada and Andres Perea.

“I think (Odada and Perea) are two really solid players,” McGlynn said. “They are both very good defensively. I think that’s what we need in case Jose gets a yellow card suspension sometime this year. I think it’s always good to have depth with the 50-something we’re going to have this year. It’s crucial to have guys that step into starting spots in different competitions and the level won’t drop.”

Sullivan, who scored six goals at the Concacaf U-20 Championship, will gain his minutes early in the season at forward.

“I certainly feel comfortable in that role,” Sullivan said. “I’m learning the ins and outs more this preseason by watching extra film and learning the role of the striker in our system more.”

The goal for both players is to help the team in any capacity. McGlynn will be involved in a more defensive capacity, but for Sullivan, the objective to score more goals is welcome.

“In front of goal is where you want to be and that’s where you win games,” Sullivan said. “As close as I can get to score goals is where I want to be.”