⚽ The boys of Bridesburg | Sports Daily Newsletter

It’s too early to jump to conclusions, and history offers a good example of what happens when one does. But it’s hard to look at the trajectory of Cavan Sullivan and not wonder if America’s next hope at a World Cup is going to hail from a basement in Bridesburg.

It’s been well-documented that the Sullivans are Philly soccer royalty, with a family footprint that spans decades in the sport right here at home. Cavan, his older brother Quinn, and his twin brothers Declan and Ronan are the latest in a family that lives and breathes the sport and has found immense success, fortune, and fame as a result.

This week, Cavan joined the U.S. men’s senior team for a series of matches that, if he gets in, would find him at 16, the second-youngest player to make an appearance. Inquirer writer Matt Breen caught up with the family to discuss their individual journey and the collective trajectory that has made the youngest Sullivan a recognizable name.

We’re looking at clouds on this Friday as we keep an eye out for a nor’easter. Perhaps today is the calm before the storm, with highs expected to reach the mid-70s.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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For the second straight night, the Phillies had an opportunity to close in on a playoff spot.

And for the second straight night, the Phillies laid an egg.

A stagnant offense and yet another late bullpen collapse doomed them in a 5-1 loss to the Brewers on Thursday night. Milwaukee secured its 100th win of the season, setting a franchise record at the expense of the Phillies. The magic number remains at 2 going into the late game Thursday night between the Dodgers and Padres.

The Phillies will enter their final series of the regular season against the American League-leading Tampa Bay Rays without having officially secured a playoff spot.

The Phillies did get some good news on Thursday. Jesús Luzardo felt good after throwing a bullpen session and said “chances are good” he’ll be ready for the playoffs.

Next: The Phillies open their final series of the regular season at 6:40 tonight against Tampa Bay (NBCSP). Cristopher Sánchez (18-6, 2.93 ERA) will start against Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta (9-11, 4.56).

🤔 Wondering: Will the Philly sports madness ever end? We certainly hope not.

🏈 Watching: This first look at fan favorite Zach Ertz in an Eagles uniform.

🎧 Listening: To the latest unCovering the Birds podcast focusing on the magic of Jalen Hurts.

🏃🏽‍♂️‍➡️Questioning: Will Penn come out firing in their season opener, despite matching up against a 4-0 Lehigh team ranked No. 6 in FCS?

🦅 Reading: The numbers that stand out in Monday night’s matchup between the Eagles and the Chicago Bears.

One would think that Zach Ertz returning to the Eagles would stoke a lot of emotions. Excitement. Joy. Relief. But nervous?

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been more nervous for a walkthrough than today,” Ertz said after his first practice back with the Eagles, who signed him to their practice squad earlier this week. “Obviously the past nine-and-a-half months have been tough. A lot of emotions going through today, a lot of prayers going through today, just to try to center myself.”

After 181 career regular-season NFL games and another 11 in the playoffs, the 35-year-old is playing what looks to be his final chapter in the place that gave him his start. Here’s why, to him, it means so much more than football.

After an up-and-down season from Sam Ersson, the Flyers made it a priority to upgrade the backup goaltender position behind Dan Vladař.

That decision could soon pay dividends after Vladař left the team’s second preseason game on Tuesday with an upper-body injury. While the Czech netminder thankfully looks to have avoided a major injury, it highlights why the Flyers were so keen to add a proven commodity Woll.

Could Woll even start opening night?

“I think I’ve proven that I can do that in my career. So my goal from the start with this team has been to help them however I can, whatever situation that means, so [it] doesn’t really change my process or my day-to-day or my mindset with whatever happens,” Woll said Wednesday.

It’s shaping up to be a soccer-filled weekend full of players from the Philly region. Let’s start with the Union, who will face Orlando City on Saturday (7 p.m., Apple TV) without five of its customary starters, two of which have been the heart of the team’s defense. Here’s why interim manager Ryan Richter isn’t worried, as a chance at a franchise record hangs in the balance.

Also, our daily dispatch from the U.S. men’s national team camp checks in with Media’s Auston Trusty, who talks not just about his place on the roster ahead of a Saturday match against Peru (4:30 p.m., TNT), but that of the three Philly-area players like him on the team’s 28-man roster.

Sept. 25, 1960: How about this for a weird statistic? Today, 66 years ago, the Phillies ended a streak of 16 straight losses in games played on a Sunday after beating the Reds, 7-1.

Our team of photographers captured the Phillies’ playoff chase, as well as a slew of other dazzling sports moments from the week in our latest edition of The Big Picture. Enjoy.

TADICA NALLEOG

Which former morning shock jock announced their return to the airwaves to talk almost exclusively about the Eagles? Think you know? Take a guess and click here to see if you’re correct.

We asked: What’s your favorite tailgate memory?

One of the best aspects of an Eagles tailgate is the smell of that amazing food floating across the Lincoln Financial Field Parking lot. Before every Eagles game, without fail — it’s time for a cheesesteak. While most Philadelphians will use any excuse to have that delectable assortment of meat and cheese on a fresh roll from one of the city’s top spots, known internationally, passing through your taste buds on the way down the digestive track — you simply can’t beat one before the game begins. — Michael L.

For me, it’s the random guys in the parking lots selling Eagles gear on the low. I’m a sucker, and as much as I try not to buy, there’s always a hat, a T-shirt, or something they come by the tailgate with, and I end up having to buy. I don’t care where it comes from; I just care that it’s cool, and it’s usually cheap. Long live the hustle, and GO BIRDS! — Geoff B.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Hannah Chang, Jeff McLane, Jackie Spiegel, Rob Tornoe, Mia Messina, Kerith Gabriel, Jonathan Tannenwald, and The Inquirer’s photography staff.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s your weekend. Enjoy what’s slated to be a packed sports weekend. We’ll be back to unpack all with you bright and early on Monday. — Kerith