Kacper Przybylko's first-half penalty kick was enough to secure a 1-0 win for the Philadelphia Union over Nashville SC on Saturday night.
The victory at Subaru Park means the Union leapfrog Nashville into second place in the Eastern Conference standings with just three games left in the 2021 regular season.
Philadelphia opened the scoring early and held on for the win. A set piece delivered into the box took an unfortunate bounce off of the arm of Taylor Washington, and Przybylko smashed home the resulting penalty kick. The Polish striker's 11th goal of the season proved to be the winner for the Union, who held Nashville to one shot on target.
Nashville were largely effective in possession, but couldn't create more than half-chances against the reigning Supporters' Shield winners. Substitute CJ Sapong put the visitors' best chance of the night over the bar from outside the box. Aké Loba, making just his second start in a Nashville shirt, nearly got on the end of an Alistair Johnston through ball, but was denied by the quick-thinking Andre Blake.
Przybylko came close to icing the game in the 86th minute after a lethal counter-attack, seeing his shot saved well by Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis, and blasted another effort over the bar minutes later. The Union withstood a barrage of late long throw-ins from Nashville to secure three points.
Goals
- 18' - PHI - Kacper Przybylko (PK) | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The Union were closing the gap on Nashville for several weeks, and finally overtook them with a win that will likely have a significant impact on the final table. For Nashville, a 1-0 road loss to a team of Philadelphia's quality won't be a significant concern. But they're now winless in their last six games and in danger of having peaked too early.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Kacper Przybylko's penalty kick was the first significant chance for either side, and he dispatched it calmly and vehemently to secure the win.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Jamiro Monteiro pulled the strings for Philadelphia throughout the match, creating three key chances.
Next Up
- PHI: Wednesday, October 27 at Toronto FC | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- NSH: Wednesday, October 27 at FC Cincinnati | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
