Union prepare for Sunday’s game against Nashville

After a hard-fought win against the New England Revolution, the Philadelphia Union turn their focus to a challenge against Nashville SC on Sunday at Subaru Park.

The Union look to continue their three-game winning streak, the best start to an MLS season in the team’s 16-year history.

“It’s very positive around the camp at the moment, and the boys are full of energy and full of fun right now,” Union head coach Bradley Carnell said in a press conference on Friday. “I just think there’s a general consensus around the camp here, around the organization, that we’re moving in the right direction.”

Carnell believes Nashville midfielder Hany Mukhtar will be the biggest challenge the Union will face on Sunday.

“I just think them in transitional space is really dangerous. I think when Mukhtar gets off the ball, and he’s able to turn and now face you and challenge you, running at your back line, he has the ability to go on a drill and find the final pass,” Carnell said.

Union defender Nathan Harriell has been a full participant in training this week.

“Great. He was full of energy in that game against New England, albeit on turf. And then he’s been training with us the whole week as well. So, he’s ready to start. That’s what I can say.”

Carnell expects a tough matchup from both teams due to their similar play styles.

“It’s going to be a real chess match against ourselves. [We have] very similar setups in terms of base formations, and I see a lot of their principles applying to us as well. So, every yard on the field is going to be tough to find to create space, because both these teams take away each other’s weapons,” Carnell said.