The Union went down early and never got going in Nashville loss

Brotherly Game’s own Greg Oldfield said it best about the Philadelphia Union’s performance against Nashville. “Haven’t seen the Union this stretched since—the second half of last game.”

Just like the Union’s second half against Chicago Fire last game, a half that saw Chicago score two goals and dominate their way to a 3 all draw, the Union looked outmatched by their opponents on Saturday night in Nashville.

From former Union striker C.J. Sapong’s early goal to the final whistle, the Union were completely outplayed. The Union looked out of control, outworked in the midfield, and unable to generate anything in the final third.

After the early goal, Nashville were able to drop back and protect their 1-0 lead.

“We couldn’t find a final pass,” head coach Jim Curtin said of the team’s inability to solve the Nashville defense. “They had three center backs, one of them Walker Zimmerman.”

Nashville did much more than just sit back and protect their lead, for most of the game they dictated what happened. If not for Andre Blake being the best goalie in the MLS and some good fortune from the football gods, Nashville easily could’ve celebrated the 4th with a 3-0 victory.

The Philadelphia Union have been a much different team the past two games than what fans have come to expect from their club. If not for a Jakob Glesnes wondershot and an own goal, the Union are staring at two very disappointing defeats on the road.

Still clinging to third in the East with international competition on the horizon, the Union must settle the ship fast and it all starts with a Thursday night matchup at the New York Red Bulls.