Nashville SC and the Philadelphia Union played to a scoreless draw on Saturday night in Chester, Pa.
Nashville (7-1-2, 23 points) stayed atop the Eastern Conference table while extending its MLS unbeaten streak to four matches. Keeper Brian Schwake made five saves for the clean sheet as Nashville moved to 3-1-2 on the road.
Philadelphia (1-7-3, 6 points) remained last in the Eastern Conference while pushing its home record to 0-3-2. The Union only lost once at home last season (12-1-4) when they won the Supporters’ Shield. Philadelphia is winless in four straight (0-1-3). Keeper Andre Blake stopped two shots to preserve the clean sheet.
Both teams hit the post early in the second half.
In the 52nd minute, Nashville defender Josh Bauer redirected Warren Madrigal’s free kick off the post.
A minute later, Union midfielder Indiana Vassilev hit the right post with his strike from outside the box.
Philadelphia hit the post a second time in the 72nd minute as Agustin Anello curled his right-footed strike off the far post.
Blake made a glorious save in the 74th minute to keep the match scoreless, diving to get his hand on Ahmed Qasem’s left-footed strike.
Nashville controlled first-half possession, but it was Philadelphia with the lone two shots on target.
The Union’s first quality chance came in the 11th minute as Jovan Lukic put his strike from the middle of the box over the woodwork.
In the 29th minute, Cavan Sullivan forced Schwake to make a save on his left-footed shot from the left side of the area.
Philadelphia defender Japhet Sery Larsen left the match in the 15th minute with an apparent injury and was replaced by Geiner Martinez.
Sam Surridge, who leads Nashville with nine goals through seven MLS appearances this season, missed the match with a back injury.
Saturday was the first of two meetings this season between the two clubs. Nashville hosts Philadelphia on Oct. 28 to conclude the season series.
Up next, Nashville hosts D.C. United next Saturday, while Philadelphia travels to New England.
–Field Level Media
