Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union

Despite missing several key players, the Philadelphia Union were able to force a draw in Nashville against the newly-crowned Supporters’ Shield winners. Injuries to Milan Iloski and Cavan Sullivan, as well as Bruno Daminai’s suspension, limited Interim Manager Ryan Richter’s options. But, a hard-fought defensive performance meant the Union were able to come away with a point against the league’s best team. 

First Half

Between attacking absences for Philly, and rotation from Nashville, both teams’ attacks lacked sharpness in the first half. BJ Callaghan opted to rest perennial MVP candidate and team leading scorer in Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge respectively, and this resulted in fewer opportunities than usual for the table toppers. 

For the Union’s part, despite missing their starting striking duo, and main creative threat, they were able to outshoot the Coyotes in the opening frame, recording 2 shots to Nashville’s 0. Not exactly impressive numbers, but credit should be given to the defense for stifling the Coyotes.

The first significant chance of the half would fall to the Union. In the 23rd minute, Indiana Vassilev dictated play out wide, working two successives give-and-go’s before placing a shot on net. Though his shot was saved, he was deemed to have been fouled during the attempt, and the Union were awarded a dangerous free kick. On the ensuing attempt however, Kai Wagner’s shot was blocked by the Nashville wall, and the chance would go to waste.

The Coyotes made a rare foray forward in the 33rd minute. Reed Baker-Whiting took the ball to the endline, before rifling a cross towards the goal mouth, but Andre Blake was there to make the punch out.

In the 43rd minute, the Boys in Blue had the best chance of the half. After hold up play from Ezekial Alladoh, Quinn Sullivan hammered a cross into the area that was blocked by Nashville goalie Brian Schwake. The loose ball had to be cleared away by a Nashville defender, as Alladoh was crashing into the area, but the Union were starting to show flashes of their recent form.

The opening frame of action would conclude with the game deadlocked at 0-0. 

Second Half

The game would remain a tightly contested affair, with chances going at a premium. In the 59th minute, usual Nashville starters Mukhtar and Surridge entered the match. Just a minute later, the Union nearly broke the deadlock. Nathan Harriel headed a Wagner corner kick high up in the air for the towering Neil Pierre. Schwake rushed off his line, but misjudged it, and Pierre suddenly had an open net to aim for. If not for Baker-Whiting’s clearance, the Union would have taken a shock lead at GEODIS Park.

After this, Nashville had a couple of chances, with the likes of CJ Espinoza, Surridge, and Andy Najar threatening, but both were denied by the offside flag.

The Union should have found the back of the net in the 71st minute. Quinn Sullivan played a perfect low cross to the back post which was met by Ben Bender, but the midfielder’s shot was right at Schwake, who made the close-range stop.

Blake was called into action in the 88th minute, denying a header from Surridge that was destined for the top corner. 

In the final minute of stoppage time, Nashville had a golden opportunity to steal all 3 points. A dangerous ball into the box saw Pierre unable to get the danger away. The ball fell to the feet of Mukhtar just a yard or two from net, but Frankie Westfield was there to win the tackle, clear the ball, and essentially save a point for the Union.

The game would end shortly after. 

3 Points

• Book the Tickets: With NYRB’s loss to New England – thanks to a late Daniel Gazdag winner – the Union officially clinched a post-season berth at half-time of the match, completing one of the biggest turnarounds in MLS history.

• Young Guns: With both starting strikers unavailable, Malik Jakupovic made his first MLS start. Although he was unable to find the back of the net, it was another milestone in the youngster’s budding professional career.

• Stoppable Force vs Movable Object: Both matches between Philly and Nashville have ended 0-0 this season. For what is typical one of the better games of the season, each has been disappointing. Perhaps another meeting in the playoffs would make for better showing?

GOALS/ASSISTS

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

NSH – Edvard Tagseth (caution) 22’

PHI – Jovan Lukić (caution) 40’

PHI – Danley Jean Jacques (caution) 90+2’

Lineups

Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake; Kai Wagner, Japhet Sery Larsen (Frankie Westfield 69’) , Neil Pierre, Nathan Harriel, Jovan Lukić, Danley Jean Jacques, Indiana Vassilev, Quinn Sullivan, Ezekiel Alladoh (Agustín Anello 69’), Malik Jakupovic (Ben Bender 59’).

Substitutes not used: Andrew Rick (GK), Geiner Martinez, Alejandro Bedoya, Jeremy Rafanello, Kellan LeBlanc, Finn Sundstrom.

Nashville SC: Brian Schwake, Reed Baker-Whiting, Jeisson Palacios, Maxwell Woledzi, Daniel Lovitz (Andy Najar 72’), Alex Muyl (Hany Mukhtar 58’), Patrick Yazbek, Edvard Tagseth (Bryan Acosta 45’), Cristian Espinoza, Warren Madrigal (Elias Saad 80’), Ahmed Qasem (Sam Surridge 58’).

Substitutes not used: Joe Willis (GK), Jack Maher, Josh Bauer, Shak Mohammed.

Officiating Crew: 

Referee: Pierre Luc-Lauziere

Asst. Referee 1: Diego Blas

Asst. Referee 2: Stephen McGonagle

Fourth Official: Jon Freemon

VAR: Younes Marrakchi

AVAR: John Krill