On Saturday night, Kacper Przybylko's first-half penalty kick was enough to give the Philadelphia Union a 1-0 victory over Nashville SC. With just three games remaining in the 2021 regular season, the Union have leapfrogged Nashville into second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Philadelphia took an early lead and held on for the victory. Taylor Washington's arm took an unlucky bounce off a set piece thrown into the area, and Przybylko blasted home the following penalty kick. The Union won thanks to the Polish striker's 11th goal of the season, as the Union limited Nashville to just one chance on goal. Nashville was mainly successful in possession, but they were unable to generate more than half-chances against the Supporters' Shield champions. From outside the box, substitute CJ Sapong sent the visitors' best opportunity of the night over the bar. The quick-thinking Andre Blake blocked Aké Loba, who was making only his second start in a Nashville jersey, from getting on the end of an Alistair Johnston through pass.

Przybylko came within a whisker of clinching the game in the 86th minute, but his shot was superbly stopped by Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis, and he blasted another effort over the bar minutes later. The Union held on to three points despite a bombardment of late long throw-ins from Nashville. For several weeks, the Union had been narrowing the distance on Nashville, and with a win that would likely have a huge influence on the final table, they finally overcame them. A 1-0 loss on the road to a club of Philadelphia's caliber will not be a major issue for Nashville. However, they have already gone winless in their previous six games and may have reached their peak too soon.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Trey Madara]