Daniel Gazdag scored a hat trick and the Philadelphia Union won their second straight match, defeating visiting Nashville SC 3-0 on Saturday in the final match for both teams before the MLS All-Star break and Leagues Cup.
Quinn Sullivan recorded a pair of assists and Leon Flach and Mikael Uhre had one assist each as the Union (6-10-9, 27 points) claimed their first winning streak since winning three consecutive matches between March 23-April 6.
Nashville (6-11-8, 26 points) is now losers of six straight, with Saturday marking its final match before B.J. Callaghan joins the team as its head coach. It has been outscored 16-3 during its losing streak.
Philadelphia opened the scoring in the 10th minute. A pass into the box from Flach found Gazdag, who deftly chipped it past Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis to make it 1-0.
Gazdag struck again in the 39th minute on a set piece. A long free kick sailed toward the scoring area and found Uhre, and his through ball was deposited into the net by the Union striker as the lead swelled to 2-0.
In the 89th minute, Gazdag completed his hat trick. Brent Kallman slipped on the pitch near the box, leaving Gazdag a simple run and finish to cap his big night.
Gazdag’s three goals gave him a team-high 14, putting him three goals within the league lead.
Nashville SC had its best chance of the night in the 67th minute as Kallman’s headed attempt as he rose to meet the ball in the air rang off the crossbar.
Ultimately, Nashville was shut out for the second straight match and for the third time during its losing streak.
Nashville finished with a 20-19 advantage in total shots, but the Union had a 10-3 edge in shots on goal.
Andre Blake recorded three saves en route to a clean sheet. Willis made seven saves in a losing effort.
–Field Level Media
