Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union
Who: Philadelphia Union vs Nashville SC
What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 4
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
When: Saturday, March 16, 2:25 PM EST
Watch: Apple TV MLS Season Pass, Fox Deportes, Fox
Whistle: TBD
The Philadelphia Union look to extend their 3-0 start at Subaru park on Sunday, March 16th against Nashville SC.
Scouting Report: Nashville SC
Sunday’s visit to Subaru Park will be Nashville’s first since the organization named former Union and USMNT assistant BJ Callaghan as the new Head Coach last summer.
It’s been a slow start for Nashville, who currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference at 1-1-1. Nashville’s first game of the season against New England resulted in a 0-0 draw. The following week, the team traveled to Red Bull Arena where they suffered a 2-0 loss.
Last week’s return to Geodis Park, however, may have been the beginning of Nashville catching its stride. Andy Najar scored Nashville’s first goal of the season and his first goal with the team. Fellow off-season signing Eddi Tagseth registered his first assist in Nashville colors, while Ahmed Qasem made his first start and netted his first goal for Nashville.
Nashville started their season with a draw against New England and a loss to New York Red Bulls. But last week, Nashville earned their first win of the season against Portland Timbers, finishing with a 2-0 scoreline by way of a pair from their two newest signings: 31-year-old right back Andy Najar and 21-year-old Swedish midfielder Ahmed Qasem.
Though Nashville’s offseason additions have been the difference makers thus far, team veterans like Hany Muhktar, Sam Surridge, and Walker Zimmerman also pose threats to the Union. In addition, while still early in the season, Nashville hold one of the best defensive records in the East, with two shutouts in three matches and the second-fewest conceded goals (2) in the East.
Injury Report: Released 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 15; check back for updates.
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Nashville’s defensive accolades may be in jeopardy against a Philadelphia Union team that has scored 10 goals in three matches, with five different players hitting the back of the net since the start of the season.
Head Coach Bradley Carnell has utilized the same starting XI for three straight games, but the lineup for this match, which precedes an international window, will leave the Union without some starters due to multiple call-ups.
Philadelphia is the only team in the Eastern Conference that has collected all nine available points and lead the MLS in goal differential (+7). Union striker Tai Baribo boasts six goals — which leads MLS — through 234 minutes played, while Union fullback Kai Wagner leads MLS with four assists through 270 minutes.
Injury Report: Released 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 15; check back for updates.
Matchup to Watch: Union’s attack vs Nashville defense
Pending final confirmation of the Union’s missing players, watch for a dynamic Union offensive strategy to slowly (or not so slowly) chip away at Nashville’s staunch defense.
Player to Watch: Mikael Uhre
With Baribo and Gazdag most likely out, how will Uhre fair up? Now is his time to shine….
Prediction: Union 1-0 Nashville SC
The sun will shine (maybe), the hot dogs will flow (definitely), and the Union will punch another win (please).
Teams aren’t required to release players until Monday, so they shouldn’t be missing anyone tomorrow. Next week against St. Louis will be a different story as that game will be a crap shoot.
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I intend to write my rep asking why I’m being charged full price to watch a game where it was known when the game was scheduled that several players would not be available.
Are there any teams that adjust ticket prices based on international call ups?
Seems like that would be out of the box thinking from the front office!
Here are the game officials.
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REF: Pierre-Luc Lauziere
AR1: Ian McKay
AR2: Ben Pilgrim
4TH: Joshua Encarnacion
VAR: Timothy Ford
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
Last year they sold the $1 hotdogs out very early! If you want one get yours early!