In a thrilling encounter during Week 19 of the MLS, Nashville SC emerged victorious against Philadelphia Union with a narrow score of 1-0 at Geodis Park. The decisive moment came in the second half when Hany Mukhtar converted a penalty in the 54th minute, securing three crucial points for the home side.
Both teams had their chances, with Kai Wagner from Philadelphia and Hany Mukhtar from Nashville hitting the woodwork in their pursuit of goals.
Hany Mukhtar was undoubtedly the star of the match, not only scoring the sole goal but also attempting to find the back of the net with four shots overall.
Defensively, Jeisson Palacios played a vital role for Nashville SC, clearing 10 balls from danger zones, showcasing his importance in the back line.
Nashville’s head coach, B. J. Callaghan, lined up a 4-5-1 formation featuring Joseph Willis in goal, with Andy Nájar, Jack Maher, Jeisson Palacios, and Daniel Lovitz forming the defense. The midfield consisted of Patrick Yazbek, Edvard Tagseth, Jonathan Pérez, Hany Mukhtar, and Alex Muyl, with Sam Surridge leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union, led by coach Bradley Carnell, opted for a 4-4-2 setup, including Andre Blake in goal, with Olivier Mbaizo, Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes, and Kai Wagner in defense. Their midfield featured Indiana Vassilev, Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, and Cavan Sullivan, supported by forwards Bruno Damiani and Chris Donovan.
Referee Rubiel Vázquez officiated the match.
Looking ahead, Nashville SC will next face Inter Miami on the road, while Philadelphia Union will host the New York Red Bulls.
Substitutions for Nashville SC
79’ 2T – Alex Muyl out for Ahmed Qasem
81’ 2T – Andy Nájar out for Josh Bauer
89’ 2T – Sam Surridge out for Teal Bunbury and Patrick Yazbek out for Bryan Acosta
Yellow Card for Nashville SC:
43’ 2T Edvard Tagseth (repeated fouls)
Red Card for Nashville SC:
17’ 2T Jonathan Pérez (direct red)
Substitutions for Philadelphia Union
60’ 2T – Chris Donovan out for Tai Baribo and Cavan Sullivan out for Benjamin Bender
71’ 2T – Indiana Vassilev out for Alejandro Bedoya
Yellow Cards for Philadelphia Union:
1’ 2T Cavan Sullivan, 25’ 2T Kai Wagner (repeated fouls), 27’ 2T Jakob Glesnes, and 33’ 2T Benjamin Bender.