Philadelphia Union x Nashville SC

Nashville SC delivered a statement win on March 16, 2025, handing the Philadelphia Union their first loss of the season with a commanding 3-1 victory at Subaru Park. Fueled by an aggressive attack and a clutch penalty save, Nashville silenced the home crowd and walked away with a well-earned three points.

From the opening whistle, Nashville looked sharp and determined, refusing to let Philadelphia dictate the tempo. Their efforts paid off in the 15th minute when Sam Surridge took advantage of a defensive miscue, coolly slotting a right-footed finish into the bottom corner to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.

Philadelphia, known for their resilience, wasted no time in responding. In the 33rd minute, Jovan Lukic found himself in the right spot at the edge of the box and struck a perfectly timed volley past Nashville’s goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1. For a moment, it seemed like the Union had regained control, but Nashville had other plans.

Just before halftime, Ahmed Qasem struck a dagger into Philadelphia’s momentum. Making a perfectly timed run, he latched onto a through ball and calmly finished to restore Nashville’s lead at 2-1 heading into the break.

The second half saw both teams battle for control, but Nashville never looked rattled. They absorbed pressure from Philadelphia before delivering the knockout punch in the 82nd minute. Hany Mukhtar, last season’s MVP, stepped up to the penalty spot and buried his shot, extending Nashville’s lead to 3-1.

Philadelphia had one last chance to pull themselves back into the match deep in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty. But Nashville’s Joe Willis came up with a heroic double save—denying the initial spot kick and blocking the rebound—to ensure his team walked away with a two-goal victory.

[Photography by Trey Madara]