Sat Jul 05 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Union Face Tough Test in Nashville as Top Spot Hangs in the Balance

**NASHVILLE, TN -** The Philadelphia Union will look to solidify their position atop the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield race this Saturday night as they travel to Geodis Park to take on a surging Nashville SC. Despite a recent 1-0 defeat to Columbus Crew, the Union maintain their lead with 40 points, but Nashville, coached by BJ Callaghan, are hot on their heels, boasting an impressive 11-match unbeaten streak and sitting just two spots behind Philly in the standings.

This matchup promises to be a crucial one, as the Union aim to bounce back from their first loss in twelve games, while Nashville seeks to extend their unbeaten run. “Every streak comes to an end. We found that out last weekend,” said Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell, acknowledging the challenge ahead. “They’re in a great shape, great form, great squad. It’s fun watching them and it’s a signature. We use very similar styles, they just pack it in a different shape and form.”

The Eastern Conference is tightly contested, with the top four teams separated by just three points, making this weekend’s results potentially decisive.

The upcoming game is a rematch of a March encounter where Nashville handed the Union their first loss of the season with a 3-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Sam Surridge, Ahmed Qasem, and Hany Mukhtar. “Matchday 4 is not Matchday 21,” Carnell noted, emphasizing the changes in both teams since their previous meeting. “I feel we have got better in many, many aspects while still being true to who we are… I think we’ve kind of got that balance right of what we’re trying to do at the moment.”

Adding to the Union’s hopes, several key players are nearing a return from injury. While the official availability report is pending, Carnell offered a positive update: “Frankie [Westfield] is edging closer, but probably still too soon this weekend. Mika [Uhre] is edging a little bit closer to knowing whether the plan of action and the direction we chose for his rehabilitation was the right one – so a couple days expected there. Mbaizo’s trending in the right way.”

The match against Nashville marks the Union’s final road game before returning home to Subaru Park for back-to-back matches against the New York Red Bulls in both the Open Cup and league play.

**Kickoff is set for [Insert Time Here] and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass.**

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