The Philadelphia Union eliminated Nashville SC to qualify for the Eastern Conference finals. The game defaulted to penalties after the score remained 1-1 after 120+ minutes of play, where the Union outscored Nashville 2-0. Goalkeeper Andre Blake became the night’s unsung hero after saving two penalties from the visiting side to earn the advantage. 

Nashville unfortunately saw their playoff dreams come to a disastrous end after scoring zero penalty kicks. 

The game kicked off slowly as both sides took time to settle into their formations. It was only until Nashville pushed players forward that the tempo began to pick up. The visitors enjoyed the majority of possession with the Philadelphia Union lagging behind, chasing Nashville SC players for a chance on the ball. 

Forward Hany Mukhtar knocked on the Union’s door a couple of times before finally sealing the deal in the 38th minute to continue his mvp-calibre season and score his third MLS postseason goal. Right back Eric Miller made the initial run, reaching the edge of the box before perfectly centering the ball for Mukhtar to pick up the header and earn the 1-0 lead. 

The celebrations didn’t last long after the Philadelphia Union found the equalizer 10 minutes later off of a sneaky finish from Daniel Gazdag. The midfielder took advantage of a goalkeeping error from Joe Willis, finding the rebound off a poorly cleared shot to manage a second strike and creep the ball into the net. 

The second half saw Philadelphia Union take control of the match, pouncing on the attack and benefiting from Nashville’s defensive errors. The hosts had several opportunities to take the lead but fumbled on the finish. 

Despite the Union’s best efforts, the game headed into overtime after a 1-1 scoreline after 90 minutes. The hosts had several opportunities to find the lead, but like during regular time, players struggled to get the perfect finish. 

For the second time during the 2021 MLS postseason, the regular-time tie led to penalties.  

Nashville stepped up first but squandered the chance as Hany Muktar shot the ball directly into Andre Blake’s hands. The Philadelphia Union earned the immediate advantage after Jack Elliot scored the first. 

Nashville player Anibal Godoy attempted the team’s second, only for Blake to reach over and make yet another save. Sérgio Santos missed his shot for the Union to give the visitors a chance before they ruined it. 

The pressure got to Nashville as Alex Muyl and Walker Zimmerman both missed their penalty attempts. 

Jack McGlynn became a hero, scoring the Union’s second to earn the lead and qualify for the Eastern Conference final. 

Andre Blake (GK) – 8/10 – Instant hero after saving Nashville’s first two penalty kicks

Alvas Powell (RB) – 5/10 – Provided the stability needed, but nothing rather special

Jakob Glesnes (CB) – 5/10 – Could have been more creative on the ball, but but provided the needed coverage

Jack Elliott (CB) – 5/10- Didn’t do much during the game, but scored his penalty kick at the end

Kai Wagner (LB) – 5/10 – Got more involved in the attack as the game progressed

Dániel Gazdag (RW) – 7/10- Missed clear opportunities, but also scored the equalizer

Alejandro Bedoya (CM) – 7/10- If he had been more precise on the front foot the game would not have gone to overtime

José Martínez (CM) – 4/10- Could have done more, but fine

Leon Flach (CM) – 5/10 – Expected so much more from the talented youngster

Jamiro Monteiro (LW) – 2/10- Should have done so much more

Kacper Przybyłko (F) – 4/10 – As the lone forward, the Polish striker should have been chasing opportunities instead of dragging behind

Sergio Santos – 5/10- A breath of fresh air for a much needed Union

Nathan Harriel- 3/10- Had the opportunity to make the difference and squandered the chance

Jack McGlynn – 7/10- Scored the second penalty to earn the lead

Cory Burke- 3/10- unperceived, but also didn’t make grave mistakes

Joe Willis (GK) – 3/10- Made several errors, but one that cost Philadelphia to earn the equalizer

Eric Miller (RB) – 7/10 – Stable on the defense, but became a standout with his assist to Hany Mukhtar

Alistair Johnston (CB) – 3/10- Too many defensive errors that opened up spaces for the Union

Walker Zimmerman (CB) -3/10- He really should have been the one to hold the defense together, but crumbled under pressure. Also missed his penalty

Jack Maher (CB) – 2/10- went completely undetected

Daniel Lovitz (LB) – 4/10– Could have done much more

Randall Leal (CM) – 4/10 – Let his frustration get to him by the end, causing unnecessary free kicks

Dax McCarty (CM) – 3/10- Went completely unnoticed, disappearing in the midst of chaos

Aníbal Godoy (CM) – 1/10- missed his penalty kick

Hany Mukhtar (CF) – 5/10– Scored the opening goal, but also missed his penalty kick

C. J. Sapong (CF) – 3/10- Really left it up to Mukhtar to carry the team offensively

Jalil Anibaba – 2/10- Did absolutely nothing

Brian Anunga – 4/10- Went undetected, but no one really expected him to shine

Alex Muyl -0/10- Literally given the chance to make a difference, missed a penalty kick instead