Philadelphia Union wrapped up their three-game July road trip victoriously with Daniel Gazdag scoring twice from the penalty spot for a 2-0 win at Nashville SC.
On the pitch it was a pair of competing 4-4-2 diamonds facing off with individual matchups even more important in the Eastern Conference clash however the tactics for the hosts didn’t last long. As Nashville SC adjusted into a formation change just past the ninth minute, the Union found space down the middle where Daniel Gazdag dribbled into the attacking area. Never one to shy away from creating a goalscoring chance, the Hungarian attempted a hard pass to send Julian Carranza 1v1 but saw the effort blocked by Dax McCarty. The ball trickled right to Sullivan who had the patience to take a touch to his right and unleash a shot from 20 yards out that beat the keeper but crashed off the post.
Head Coach Jim Curtin was true to his word with some rotation to the Union squad with the contest in the Music City the midway point of a three-game in eight days swing. Left back Kai Wagner returned to the XI and was joined by Jesus Bueno at the base of the Union’s midfield diamond while homegrowns Nathan Harriel and Quinn Sullivan rounded out the four changes.
Nashville SC caught the Union off guard in the 13th minute of play with a long throw-in decoy. Going short to the reigning MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar, he was the full focus of the Boys in Blue as he turned and raced to the end line. With an inch of space the Nashville midfielder got a cross off that connected with an open MacNaughton but the defender couldn’t smoothly connect and sent the ball over the Union net.
Three minutes later the Union again escaped without conceding as Jacob Shaffelburg restarted play immediately with a free kick as the Union transitioned back into their defensive shape. Going direct to Mukhtar, the playmaker forced Jack Elliott to cover him off and snuck a pass through the outstretched legs of the 27-year-old defender to Teal Bunbury. Goalkeeper Joe Bendik raced off his line to shuck down the angle and found success as Bunbury’s right-footed shot went well over the goal from the top of the box.
The action was end to end with Philly nearly turning a defensive mistake into a goal in the 18th minute as a back pass to MacNaughton snuck under his boot. The Union’s high press was there to pounce on the mistake as Sullivan gain possession and attempted another long range shot. Skipping along the grass, Nashville’s Joe Willis made the diving stop however the shot provided a rebound opportunity but MacNaughton won the race to the ball against Carranza and cleared it away.
After the back and forth play that marked the start of the contest both teams settled into a rhythm and built attacks from the back with space difficult to find in the congested midfield. Philly again tested Willis from distance with a 25’ minute shot from Gazdag saved by the keeper. The Union continued to gain in confidence as the match went on with their direct attacking style nearly turning into a goal as Gazdag timed a forward pass to Carranza in the 34th minute that had Nashville SC’s defense split. The lack of chemistry with the Union homegrown unfortunately showed itself as Carranza’s pass allowed a retreating Walker Zimmerman the beat Sullivan to the ball and extinguish the chance.
Philly’s pressure paid off three minutes later as a cross into the box looked certain for a goal but instead saw a point to the penalty spot as Daniel Lovitz cleared Gazdag out in front of goal. The Union’s No. 10 again was selected to take the attempt from the penalty spot and sent the keeper the wrong way to remain a perfect 7 for 7 in 2023 from the PK.
Just like on Saturday night in Los Angeles, the Union were tested in first half stoppage time but were able to maintain momentum. As the third minute of first half stoppage time ticked on, the Boys in Blue got a key block from team captain Alejandro Bedoya. The hosts couldn’t convert on their corner attempt but recycled for another attempt that came once again from Mukhtar as he tried to pick out MacNaughton inside the six but the Union captain is the first one to it and clears it cleanly.
The home side turned on the pressure early in the final frame, going direct to Bunbury who again was smothered by Elliott to prevent both a shot on goal and a potential cross. The Union defense kept Mukhtar without a shot until the 52nd minute when the MVP put on a dazzling run that seemed destined for an equalizer as he chipped the Union keeper but the angle was just too tight as it kissed off the crossbar and stayed out.
Union fans had another scare in the 58th minute as a half chance was kept in play by Dax McCarty to spark a quick counter. The Nashville captain forced the Union backline to split as Elliott came out to cover on the wing. With the space open in the box, McCarty struck a pass centrally that forced a sliding block by Glesnes but presented a one-timer for Sean Davis who skied it over the net.
Just past the hour mark the Union turned to its substitutes to make an impact and see out the result with Mikael Uhre and Jack McGlynn entering for Sullivan and Bedoya. Nashville responded with offensive minded changes of their own with Alex Muyl and former Union winger Fafa Picault entering shortly after.
The 69th minute again saw a flurry of chances from the hosts that again saw the Union remain ahead. Mukhtar provided the start of the action with a corner kick right to a smashing header from Picault that crashed off the post and then forced a pair of key blocks inside the box from the Boys in Blue. An aerial duel won by Sean Davis got the ball right back to the feet of Mukhtar inside the 18 that forced a key stop from Joe Bendik but somehow it still snuck through. Wagner cleared it off the line and collided with Elliott at the goal line which stopped the centerback momentum just in time to block a finish at the post.
Nashville thought they were given a lifeline on the next play as Lovitz served in the ensuing corner kick that McGlynn blocked but saw it also crash off his shoulder. The initial call saw the referee point to the penalty spot but the Video Assistant Referee quickly intervened and overturned the play.
Pointing to the spot wasn’t over just yet as again the whistle rang out at GEODIS Park in the 81st minute as Lovitz chopped down Uhre near the end line to draw a penalty kick and reduce Nashville SC to 10 men with the defender’s second yellow of the evening. Much like the first half, Gazdag was calm on the ball and had the keeper froze to his spot as he doubled the lead with six minutes remaining.
With lengthy stoppages for VAR checks and a hydration break, 14 minutes were added to the contest. The Eastern Conference foes showed not letting up during the added time with Shaq Moore and Julian Carranza getting sent off after getting tangled up on an offensive attack by the Union.
Philadelphia Union continues is busy stretch this weekend as they wrap up league play before the start of 2023 Leagues Cup with a rivalry showdown against New York City FC. Kick off from Subaru Park is set for 7:30PM ET and sees the Union celebrate Military Appreciation Night presented by Primepoint.
