Photo courtesy of Kevin Barrett
On “Star Wars” night at Subaru Park, the Union looked to put a bleak start behind them as they took on Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC. A very strong Union performance resulted in a thrilling tie and a clean sheet. Was the force with them?
First Half
The Union came out surprisingly strong against the conference leaders. Their team-defining press kept Nashville off balance, but it was the Union’s poised, patient and intelligent build up and midfield play that kept Nashville’s attackers pinned back, and having to resort to counterattacks and hopeful long balls.
In possession, the Union not only battled but “took care of the ball,” keeping it on the ground and finding players between the lines in pockets of space before surging down the flanks. Westfield looked dangerous down the right flank, and Vassilev’s runs, along the touchline and across the field to pull the defense out of shape.
Cavan Sullivan, in just his third start this season, caused all kinds of trouble for Nashville’s back line, and Alladoh looked like he might be growing into his role. The Union had three corners in the half to Nashville’s zero. Nashville had two promising counter attacks, but they fizzled under Union pressure. The dangerous Union attacks, unfortunately, continued to lack a final product.
Second Half
The Union came out strong for the second half, and were rewarded with a clean shot on goal by Lukic that just missed wide in the 49th minute. Some scrappy play by Cavan Sullivan on the left saw a shot by Vassilev saved by the post in the 54th minute. Play settled down, but Nashville seemed to gain some confidence and momentum after a three-way substitution in the 64th minute that included Hany Muktar. A series of corner kicks kept pressure at the Union end but came to nothing. Play ranged up and down the field. In the 72nd minute, Anello hit the post. In the 74th, Blake made a fine save to his right to keep the sides level. In the 77th minute Iloski had shot saved, and in the 86th minute Damiani, subbed in for Vassilev sent his shot into the Delaware River.
Three Points:
- Has Carnell found his best XI? Iloski and Alladoh were a strong pairing, and Alladoh fought for every ball, but importantly was able to distribute. Cavan Sullivan was very strong, playing with guile, grit and intelligence and Harriel was able to stay in a more defensive posture. Players seemed to know where the other should be.
- Alladoh may be growing into his role. Alladoh stepped into a starting role for Bruno Damiani tonight and looked to pair well with his teammates – something Bruno has struggled to consistently do this season.
- Taking care of the ball. Quick passing between the lines and finding the open man. It was a joy to watch, and but for the lack of a final product, it could be a winning strategy.
LINEUPS
Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake; Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Philippe Ndinga (Ben Bender 46’), Japhet Sery; Jesus Bueno (Jovan Lukic 45’+7), Danley Jean Jacques, Jeremy Rafanello (Agustín Anello 66’), Cavan Sullivan (Indiana Vassilev 66’), Bruno Damiani (Ezekiel Alladoh 84’), Milan Iloski.
Substitutes not used: Andrew Rick; Geiner Martinez, Alejandro Bedoya, Malik Jakupovic.
Columbus Crew: Patrick Schulte, Malte Amundsen, Sean Zawadzki, Rudy Camacho, Andres Herrera, Max Arfsten (Mohamed Farsi 81’), Sekou Bangoura (Amar Sejdić 81’), Dylan Chambost, Hugo Picard, Taha Habroune (Dániel Gazdag 70’), Diego Rossi (Jamal Thiaré 70’).
Substitutes not used: Steven Moreira, Yevhen Cheberko, Nicholas Hagen, Cesar Ruvalcaba, Nariman Akhundzada.
Things are getting worse. Not only was the game boring (no goals scored at Subaru Park in 7 weeks) but the sound system sucked. I don’t know if it was the whole stadium or just the east side (opposite the benches) but I couldn’t understand a word of what Kevin said during substitution announcements or any other announcements.
From “lineups” down it seems to be the previous game’s info
FYI, lineups posted are from the Columbus game.
This is unwatchable. You have a 0% chance of scoring, if you can’t put it somewhere between the posts. These Forwards are terrible and their service in is just as bad.
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I don’t care about all of the great defense talk, too. This reminds me of small, promoted teams in European leagues that sit in 10 man low blocks all game, at home. They can stay even with a Champion’s League team, for a lot of minutes. The better team finally breaks them down, gets their one goal, and leaves town. However, that doesn’t mean that it was soccer, they were not close in talent, and they had no real hope of scoring or winning. That is what the 2026 Union reminds me of.
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It seems apparent Tanner is coming back. Break this team apart and reload. In this league, expansion organizations, in their second season, are winning Supporters Shields and MLS Cup. Therefore, it shouldn’t take long.
Damiani put his shot into the river – well that seems on brand.