Preview | Union begin road swing against Supporters’ Shield winners

The Philadelphia Union’s final regular‑season fixture is set for Wednesday, October 28, when the Boys in Blue will head south to Geodis Park for a showdown with Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville SC. The match, scheduled to kick off at 8:30 p.m., will be streamed on Apple TV.

After a 15‑match unbeaten streak that began after the World Cup break, the Union’s run hit its first snag on Saturday. Interim head coach Ryan Richter’s side fell 2‑1 to New England Revolution at Subaru Park, a loss that leaves Philadelphia one victory away from securing a postseason berth. A win at Nashville would seal the spot, while a draw would still keep the Union in contention provided Red Bull New York also draws with New England and other results fall into place.

The Union enter Nashville with a 46‑point tally, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, one point shy of Charlotte FC. Nashville, meanwhile, sits atop the table with 70 points after a recent 2‑0 victory over Montreal, having clinched the Supporters’ Shield. Both teams still need to lock down a playoff spot.

Philadelphia’s squad will be noticeably thinner. Bruno Damiani is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while Milan Iloski is out with a hamstring strain, missing both Wednesday and Saturday’s matches. Cavan Sullivan remains questionable after an ankle injury sustained in the loss to New England. “Cav will be questionable for Wednesday,” Richter said, adding that the team will have to rely on other attackers to step up. “It’s an opportunity for our strikers to lead the line,” he added, naming Ezekiel, Malik, and Auggie as players ready to take on a bigger role.

Nashville’s attack will be led by 28‑year‑old striker Sam Surridge, who has netted 18 times this season, and team captain Hany Mukhtar, who sits second on the club’s scoring list with 17 goals and eight assists. The Union’s challenge will be to keep the game tight and capitalize on the opportunity to secure their 10th postseason appearance in club history.

Source: Preview | Union begin road swing against Supporters’ Shield winners