It took over 100 minutes of playing time, but Nashville SC were able to defeat the league leaders and solidify their spot amongst the elites.
The Boys in Gold stretch their unbeaten run to 14 matches in all competitions, with 12 matches without a loss in league play being their best-ever in MLS.
The XI
Head coach BJ Callaghan only made one change to his lineup, bringing Eddie Tagseth back into the starting group after serving his suspension.
Jacob Shaffelburg continued to be outside of the matchday roster despite returning to the squad earlier in the week after Canada's exit of the Gold Cup.
Nashville SC Starting XI vs Philadelphia Union Willis; Lovitz, Maher, Palacios, Najar; Yazbek, Tagseth; Muyl, Pérez; Surridge, Mukhtar © BENCH: Schwake, Acosta, Bunbury, Corcoran, Bauer, Gaines, Applewhite, Qasem, Brugman
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) 2025-07-05T23:34:40.034Z
On the pitch
From the first kick, the match was full of intensity and aggressiveness from both sides. Shortly after the start, the game became end-to-end. From the 15th minute onward, Nashville were the dominant side.
Andre Blake and his woodwork stopped Hany Mukhtar from opening up the score. Blake also came up with another big save against Alex Muyl. Despite Nashville having most of the possession and working the ball well, Philadelphia's defense stayed organized and kept the play in front of them.
While Nashville were in control, the Union were able to counter with a couple of dangerous chances, one of which was cleared by Jeisson Palacios in a last ditch effort.
WHAT A GOAL LINE CLEARANCE FROM JEISSON 👏 pic.twitter.com/HeEM243Ask
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) July 6, 2025
The Union started the second half on the front foot and were able to threaten Joe Willis on multiple occasions, but Willis and Nashville kept things manageable.
The biggest decision of the match came in the 62nd minute when referee Rubiel Vazquez showed a straight red card to Jonathan Perez for a high-boot challenge. The decision gave Philadelphia a boost, but they were unable to capitalize on the numbers advantage.
The only goal of the match came from a familiar scene, though unfamiliar time. As Mukhtar was running at the Union defenders he was tripped by Olwethu Makhanya, earning Nashville a penalty (after VAR intervention).
Mukhtar strikes an incredibly powerful ball towards the middle of the goal, Blake is able to get a hand on it and it hit the bar, but there was no stopping it from going in.
LOOK AT WHAT IT MEANS 🔥
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) July 6, 2025
THE GAME WINNING GOAL, COURTESY OF HANY MUKHTAR 🫡 🫡 🫡 🫡 🫡
1-0 | #NSHvPHI pic.twitter.com/r18a4WdbXe
The big picture
Nashville had the opportunity to make a statement tonight, and they didn't shy away from it. They rose to the occasion and proved that they are a true Supporters Shield contender.
The results is half of the picture, the other half is the way Nashville are able to get those results. They are committed to their way of doing things, which is the BJ Callaghan way, and they do it well. They are able to compete with the best in the league without changing their principles of play.
Being 14 unbeaten is impressive on its own, but considering 10/14 are wins really puts in perspective the incredible effort from the club.
FT: Nashville SC earn three huge points at home and are unbeaten in 14 matches.
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) 2025-07-06T02:47:08.576Z
Up next
It's a quick turnaround for the Boys in Gold, they'll host DC United at home on Wednesday in the US Open Cup quarterfinals. They are three wins away from potentially lifting the first silverware in club history, but the first is on Wednesday night.
Stats
Possession: NSH 51.6% – 48.4% PHI
Total Passes: NSH 343 – 347 PHI
Shots: NSH 11 – 11 PHI
Shots on goal: NSH 3 – 3 PHI
Penalty kicks: NSH 1 – 0 PHI
Goals: NSH 1 – 0 PHI
Expected goals: NSH 2.32 – 1.57 PHI
Fouls: NSH 12 – 14 PHI
Yellow cards: NSH 1 – 4 PHI
Red cards: NSH 1 –0 PHI
Announced attendance: 28,896
Post-match media
This story will be updated with the post-match media when available.