For the first time in club history, Philadelphia Union are 3-0, and they have a chance to extend that win streak at Subaru park on Sunday, March 16th against Nashville SC.
"I think there's growing hunger, growing appetite, and ambition," Head Coach Bradley Carnell said in his Friday press conference.
"This group's got a level head about them, a very business mind-like attitude. It's very positive around the camp at the moment, and the boys are full of energy and full of fun right now. Winning helps do that."
Scouting the opponent
The match marks the side from Music City's first visit to the Delaware Riverfront since BJ Callaghan took over as their new Head Coach last summer, and while they haven't fared quite as well as the Union have under new leadership, they've created some momentum as of late.
Nashville started their season starting the year with a draw against New England and a loss to New York Red Bulls, but last week, Nashville earned their first win of the season against Portland Timbers, finishing with a 2-0 scoreline by way of a pair of goals came from two of their newest signings in 31-year-old right back Andy Najar and 21-year-old Swedish midfielder Ahmed Qasem.
“They have really good breakaway players, and they've been getting better with every game. I've been following their team for quite a while now, and their new acquisitions have really hit the ground running, and they're a real threat to be to be reckoned with,” Carnell said.
Though Nashville’s offseason additions have been the difference makers on the scoreboard, Carnell’s brief scouting report during his pressser focused on team veterans like Hany Muhktar, Sam Surridge, and Walker Zimmerman.
“I just think them in transitional space is really dangerous. I think when [Hany] Muhktar gets on the ball and he's able to turn and now face you and challenge you, running at your back line, he has the ability to go on a dribble and find the final pass. I think [Surridge] always gets in and around the box. He always finds space in the box and gets shots off. So, limiting time and space, especially in transition,” Carnell said.
“Set pieces as well. I think that's a big one. We've all seen Walker Zimmerman, and over the years, he’s been really dangerous at set pieces. That's going to be a tough challenge for us on that day too.”
Evaluating the group
Philadelphia Union have scored 10 goals to Nashville’s two, with five different players hitting the back of the net since the start of the season. Carnell’s used the same first xi for three straight games, but the lineup for the match ahead is an important one in particular because it precedes an international window that'll leave the Union without some starters due to multiple call-ups.
In his press conference, Carnell commented on what that means for his side as they prepare for rotation in the weeks to come.
“The assessment started already through preseason, and then we got a starting group out there. But that's not to say that the other group isn't ready. We've been playing scrimmages behind closed doors. We've been challenging each other. We've been getting guys Union II minutes. So, I do feel that we're in a good space here with the guys that do leave, but then in a great space with players who will step up to the plate.”
It all goes down on Sunday afternoon – to see the Boys in Blue in action, click here for tickets!
