Photo by Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union (15th place, 5 points, 1-7-2) vs. Nashville SC (1st place, 22 points, 7-1-1)
What: MLS Regular Season Game Matchday 11, Star Wars Night
Where: Subaru Park
When: Saturday, May 2nd, 7:30 PM
Watch: Apple TV, Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic (Use app or website as the Sixers have a concurrent game)
Whistle: REF: Elijio Arreguin, AR1: Andrew Bigelow, AR2: Brian Dunn, 4TH: Calin Radosav, VAR: Geoff Gamble, AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert

The, once again, cellar-dwelling Philadelphia Union return to the banks of the Delaware to host Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC. The Coyotes come to town boasting an east-best attack and defense, but may be missing some key players after a mid-week CCC match. The Boys in Blue are in for a tough test, but have nothing to lose and everything to prove against one of the league’s best.

Scouting report: Nashville (W-W-W-L-W)

Through the first 10 games of the MLS season, Nashville have built a case as serious contentenders for silverware this season. Head Coach B.J. Callaghan has helped the Music City club take a big step forward since his initial appointment in the middle of the 2024 season. Under the former Philadelphia Union Assistant, the Coyotes have evolved from a defense-first team into a high-flying attacking juggernaut. 

Music City Marauders

Credit needs to be given to the Nashville Front Office and the players they acquired, who have been essential to the club’s surge up the standings. Over the past offseason, landing Cristian Espinoza as a free agent was something of a coup. Adding the all-time San Jose assists leader was a move that filled the team’s creative needs. With the Earthquakes legend completing the DP trifecta of Hany Mukhtar and former Premier League forward Sam Surridge, the Nashville attack has been humming all season. Their 21 goals is a conference best, and will prove a stiff test to the inconsistent Union defense. However, a back injury to Surridge, may sideline the English ace, who already has 9 goals through just 7 games in MLS.

 Got it on Lock

On the other side of the ball, Nashville has found just as much joy. Their 6 goals allowed makes another conference best. This stout defense comes despite the departure of long-time DP Walker Zimmerman. Incoming CB Maxwell Woledzi has proven himself as an elite player in MLS so far. Last year’s backup GK Brian Schwake has seamlessly slotted into net as a starter, no doubt benefitting from his run with Nashville’s during their victorious U.S. Open Cup campaign in 2025. 

Nashville’s league success comes in addition to their run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Boys in Gold are currently in the middle of a Semi-Final tie against Tigres, and while they lost the opening leg at home, topping the conference while still competing in inter-continental play speaks to the squad’s depth and talent – both traits the Union seem to lack in 2026. 

• Injury report: DOUBTFUL: Sam Surridge (back).
• Suspended: N/a

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

Yeesh. 

Another ugly loss last week, which saw defensive errors abound and yet another display of offensive ineptitude. After a brief unbeaten run of 1 win and 2 draws, the Union fell back to their old ways in Columbus. With little reason to see significant changes on the horizon, this season feels more and more destined to go down as one of the worst in franchise history.

Chat, are we cooked?

This really shouldn’t have been surprising. That Crew side is still largely the same team that was so formidable under Wilfriend Nancy – a team that the Union were only able to beat once. The reason is simple: they’re good with the ball. It seems increasingly certain that any team that is good with the ball, usually beats Philly. This was true last season, and it’s definitely true for the 2026 Union.

Yes, an injury to Frankie Westfield forced Phillipe Ndinga into starting the game, whose mistake led to the opening goal. Sure, some frankly ludicrous refereeing decisions went against them on the night. But, those instances serve to highlight just how thin this roster is, and how almost everything needs to go right for the team to win. 

At least the team was able to lodge a successful appeal on Sery Larsen’s red card, meaning the Danish defender will be available tonight. It feels like a real stroke of luck, since it’s the first time this has happened in team history. So, at least they have that going for them.

You’re My Only Hope

The Union’s only hope is that Nashville is tired from their rain-delayed CCC game on Wednesday, and that Sam Surridge is unavailable through injury. Even then, it seems like a tall order to get a result. 

But, on the other hand, this is MLS and crazier things have happened. I was in the stands more than 10 years ago when the last-placed Union scored an injury time goal (courtesy of Zach Pfeffer) to beat 1st placed DC United. Anything can happen on the field and maybe, just maybe, some of that Philly sports magic that has benefitted the other teams in the city will find its way down to Chester tonight. In the words of a wise former coach: “Do or do not, there is no try”.

• Injury report: OUT: Olivier Mbaizo (hamstring), OUT: Quinn Sullivan (knee).
• Suspended: N/a

Key matchup

Union Defense vs. Nashville Attack

A consistent weak point for the Union this season has been the positioning of their center backs. Multiple goals and big chances have been surrendered with both being caught too high up the field. If the Union are to avoid defeat (or even embarrassment) this is an issue that must be rectified.  

Player to Watch: Cristian Espinoza

Espinoza was a force with the Earthquakes for many seasons, oftentimes one of the few bright spots on otherwise forgettable teams. Now, as part of a dynamic front three with Nashville, the Argentine will be pulling the strings all night long. 

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 0 – 2 Nashville SC

Nashville matched up well against the Union last year, and it’s hard to see that changing, even with the Coyotes on short rest and Sam Surridge a doubt through injury.