Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union's perfect start to the 2025 season ended with a 3-1 defeat against Nashville SC. Despite Jovan Lukic's impressive long-range goal that tied the match at 1-1, Nashville regained control and sealed their victory.

Lukic scored for the second consecutive game with a powerful shot just after the hour mark. However, Ahmed Qasem put Nashville ahead again before halftime. The match involved two interventions from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). A collision between Quinn Sullivan and Daniel Lovitz was reviewed, but the original decision stood. Later, VAR awarded a penalty to Nashville following an incident involving Hany Mukhtar and Jakob Glesnes.

Head Coach Bradley Carnell used an unchanged lineup for the fourth straight game this season. Andre Blake started in goal, supported by defenders Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, Kai Wagner, and Frankie Westfield. The midfield consisted of Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Quinn Sullivan, and Daniel Gazdag. Forwards Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo completed the starting eleven.

Nashville opened scoring in the 15th minute when Sam Surridge capitalized on a defensive error by Glesnes. In response, Lukic equalized for Philadelphia after seizing a rebound from a corner kick.

Nashville extended their lead shortly before halftime through Qasem’s effort past Glesnes. After half-time adjustments by Carnell brought Bruno Damiani and Nate Harriel onto the field for Uhre and Westfield respectively; Indiana Vassilev later replaced Jean Jacques in another tactical change.

In the final stages of play after another VAR intervention resulted in Nashville being awarded another penalty which Mukhtar successfully converted bringing scoreline up to its final state: 3-1 favoring visitors from Tennessee over home side Philadelphia Union who saw Makhanya receive red card during stoppage time rendering him unavailable upcoming clash against St Louis CITY SC scheduled March 22nd at Subaru Park featuring Irish Heritage Night sponsored College Ave kickoff set promptly at half-past seven evening hours tickets accessible online purchase East versus West showdown awaits soccer enthusiasts alike eager partake celebratory event