The Philadelphia Union return home after a two-game trip across the galaxy for Star Wars™ night at Subaru Park. On Saturday at 7:30 pm, the Boys in the Blue will face the top team in the Eastern Conference in front of Union faithful on the riverfront -- click here for tickets, or tune in to watch the action on Apple TV.
Philadelphia Union sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, most recently missing out on three points with a loss against Columbus Crew on the road. Through matchday 10, the team has earned five points, above only Western Conference side Sporting Kansas City with four.
It's been a strugglesome start to 2026 for the reigning Supporters' Shield winners, but while results haven't fallen their way, the team's determination hasn't faltered.
"it's not good enough for the club standards that was set many years before us," Milan Iloski said on Wednesday after training.
"Especially at home, we have to be better. We have to pick up three points. We're in a must win mindset, and we have to come out with three points, no matter what it looks like or how it happens. The most important thing is getting a win and getting back on track."
Saturday’s match is shaping up to be a tough test for Philly, as Nashville has established itself as one of the most competitive teams in the league, comfortably at the top of the East with 22 points through seven wins, one loss, and one draw.
With a conference high of 21 goal so far in 2026, eight Nashville players have hit the back of the net, but the lion’s share of production has come from Sam Surridge who’s scored nine goals alone in seven matches played. A close second is Hany Muhktar, who has continued his dominant form with three goals and five assists in seven matches.
The side led by former Union Assistant BJ Callahan comes to town to close their busy week, persevering through a weather delay on Tuesday for a Concacaf Champions Cup matchup against Tigres. While they lost 1-0 at home to the Mexican side, they still have another chance to punch their ticket to the tournament’s final with an away leg on May 5th.
The team played without Surridge on Tuesday due to a week-to-week back injury, and it’s possible he won’t make the trip to Philly. Without the Englisman, Nashville’s roster is still a robust one with talented depth pieces -- a challenge Carnell says his group will be ready for.
"There's a lot of things to think about, and don't think it's only Surridge. think they've made some key signings, with Cristian Espinoza, and I think Mukhtar ages like red wine. He gets better every year and seems to never skip a beat," Carnell said.
“There's a lot to mitigate, but when that lineup pops out, we'll be prepared in a way that we expect their best and plan for their best.”
Off the pitch, the May 2nd match marks the return of the Star Wars Night at Subaru Park. Fans are welcome to show out in their best Star Wars™ outfits for our costume competitions, one for adults and one for children. Throughout the game be on the lookout for photo opportunities with your favorite Jedi, or if you dabble on the Dark Side, your favorite Sith.
There’s still time to join the action with the club offering a special Star Wars Bucket Hat offer which features two tickets and get two bucket hats for only $92 or four tickets and get four bucket hats for only $184! To grab the offer, click here before they run out!
