Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union (1st place, 40 points, 12-4-4) vs. Nashville SC (3rd place, 38 points, 11-5-3)
What: MLS Regular Season, Match Day 22
Where: Geodis Park
When: Saturday, July 5th, 8:30 PM
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+, Radio: 97.5 FM
Whistle: Rubiel Vazquez, Ryan Graves, Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho, Sergii Boiko, Shawn Tehini, Tom Supple

The Philadelphia Union travel to Nashville, Tennessee to finish off a 3 game road trip. Last time out, a short handed Boys in Blue squad narrowly lost to Columbus – snapping their 11 game league unbeaten streak. They now must contest a matchup with a Nashville side riding their own undefeated streak. Although Philly is still atop the Supporter’s Shield standings, they will likely need to win to stay in 1st with the likes of Nashville, San Diego, Cincinnati & Vancouver breathing down their necks.

Scouting report: Nashville SC (D-D-W-W-W)

Projected Nashville lineup

Since taking the reins midway through last season, Head Coach BJ Callaghan has turned Nashville into a force to be reckoned with. The former Union and USMNT Assistant successfully built on the team’s strong defensive identity and has been able to add new elements to the Nashville attack. 

Though not as prolific as he once was, Hany Mukhtar remains an ever-present threat. Sam Surridge – once labeled an MLS bust – has blossomed under Callahan, and enters this matchup in fine form, leading the MLS Golden Boot race with 16 goals. New signing Ahmed Qasem is another option on the Music City’s squad. The Swedish international scored the winner against the Union back in March’s matchup at Subaru Park. 

Nashville’s backline is one of the better units in the league. Bolstered by veterans Andy Najar and Joe Willis, they have proven a tough task for opposing teams to break down. However, Nashville will be without club captain Walker Zimmerman who is preparing for the Gold Cup final with the USMNT. 

While the Coyotes are riding an undefeated streak that stretches back to an April 26th demolition of Chicago, they have not faced many challenging opponents in their last 5 games, save for a draw in Columbus.

• Injury report: 

OUT: Tyler Boyd (knee)
OUT: Maximus Ekk (knee)
OUT: Tate Schmitt (hamstring)
OUT: Taylor Washington (knee)
OUT: Walker Zimmerman (international duty)
QUESTIONABLE: Wyatt Meyer (hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE: Andy Najar (hand)
QUESTIONABLE: Jacob Shaffelburg (hip)

• Suspended: N/a
• International duty: Walker Zimmerman

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union (W-D-W-W-L)

Projected Union lineup

Despite losing for the first time since an April 12th contest in a baseball stadium, Philadelphia can still hold their heads high. Between injuries, international duty, and suspensions the Union have had to field a makeshift backline in their last two games. While their attack has suffered with the injuries to club leading scorer Tai Baribo, DP Mikael Uhre, & Home Grown Player Quinn Sullivan’s inclusion in the USA Gold Cup squad – Bradley Carnell has managed this difficult period with aplomb. He has balanced the rotation well, trusting reserves and Union II players to step up when called on. 

While this worked against Charlotte and Chicago, Philly’s luck ran out against Columbus. The absences proved too much, as the Boys in Blue suffered a defeat without registering a shot on target. The Union will at least benefit tonight from the return of Jakob Glesnes, who missed the last game due to suspension. His availability will allow Jovan Lukić to play his preferred position in midfield. 

However, two big question marks remain at Right Back & Forward. Nathan Harriel’s absence through international duty has been felt, especially with injuries to Frankie Westfield and Olivier Mbaizo. Additionally, Uhre remains injured and Tai Baribo was barely able to be deemed fit enough to travel. While Alejandro Bedoya has done an admirable job deputizing that full-back spot, starting a third straight game seems a tall order – especially if the pacey Qasem draws the start for Nashville. If the Union have ever needed a solid game from Mbazio – it needs to come today. 

The weak options at striker do not inspire much confidence either. While the Union’s press worked well against the Crew, they were unable to get a shot on goal. Bruno Damiani, Markus Anderson, & Chris Donovan have combined for three shots in the last two games. This team badly misses Baribo and Uhre. 

With all the odds stacked against them, the Union have shown a remarkable ability to win in the face of seemingly unlikely scenarios this season. They might still be shorthanded, and on the road, but this team has a certain spirit this year that pushes them beyond expectations. Stay tuned to see if the Union can pull off another unlikely result.

• Injury report:

OUT: Jesus Bueno (hamstring)
OUT: Ian Glavinovich (knee)
OUT: Mikael Uhre (adductor)
OUT: Frankie Westfield (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE: Tai Baribo (calf)
QUESTIONABLE: Olivier Mbaizo (adductor)

• Suspended: N/a
• International duty: Nathan Harriel, Quinn Sullivan

Key matchup

Glesnes vs. Surridge

Glesnes returns just in time to face off with the league’s leading scorer. Surridge has been a nightmare for opposing defenders but Glesnes has not-so-quietly been enjoying a renaissance of form. What’s more, he will want to make up for his game against Nashville earlier this season.

Player to Watch: Tai Baribo

Whether he starts or comes in off the bench, the Union are in desparate need of their talisman striker. He’s coming off an injury, amid a return from a region embroiled in conflict, but now has the opportunity to continue his All-Star worthy season with the Union.

Prediction: Nashville SC 2-2 Philadelphia Union

A draw probably won’t be enough to keep the Union atop the Supporter’s Shield but between all the absences for Philly, it would be a perfectly reasonable result. Bonus points if Bedoya plays a 3rd consecutive game at right back.