Chester, PA
October 23, 2021
It was a big game on Saturday night and the packed crowd at Subaru Park knew it. The “then in third place” Philadelphia Union sparred off against “then in second place” Nashville SC with a lot of home field support.
Kacper Przybylko scored the lone score by PK early, in the 18th minute, off of a handball by Nashville’s Taylor Washington in the penalty area.
The first half saw Philadelphia dominate possession. But Nashville came on physically in in the second half, with the Union fighting to hold onto the one goal lead. Philadelphia may be known for physicality, but Nashville had twice the number of fouls as did Philadelphia (16-8) in the game.
With both teams having played the preceding Wednesday, the game definitely took its toll. But Philadelphia turned out the victor, which resulted in a reversal of fortunes on the MLS East Table. Nashville dropped into third while the Union jumped into second place in the standings.
Philadelphia’s Jack Elliott lands a clean tackle, dislodging possession from Nashville’s Aké Arnaud Loba.
The Union’s Jamiro Monteiro staving off Nashville’s Brian Anunga.
Przybylko scoring on the well-placed penalty kick.
Nashville’s Randall Leal, with defense courtesy of Philadelphia’s Leon Flach.
The Union’s Jakob Glesnes has a knack for headers, this time sneaking it past Nashville’s Randall Leal.
Philadelphia’s Andre Blake rising up above the defense.
Dániel Gazdag is increasingly critical to Philadelphia’s game, here pressing the ball past Nashville’s Washington.
The typically generous Przybylko took more shots, even when occasionally passing was the preferred option.
Paxton Aaronson continues to get significant playing minutes, although Gazdag also is in good form.
With both teams having played three days prior, both were totally gassed by game’s end, although substitute Dylan Nealis had enough left for a discrete word with the ref.
Philadelphia Union
Nashville SC
