Q2 Stadium, Austin TX, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Nashville SC secured its inaugural major trophy by beating Austin FC 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup final. Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge were key players, with Mukhtar scoring the first goal and Surridge converting a penalty to seal the victory. The match indicated Nashville’s rising reputation in soccer, qualifying them for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Despite Austin’s efforts and a fan-attended sellout game, they couldn’t secure the win. This victory highlights Nashville SC’s achievement and sets the stage for future competitions.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville SC claimed their first major trophy in franchise history by defeating Austin FC 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup final held at Q2 Stadium on October 1, 2025. This victory qualifies Nashville SC for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
In the match, Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar opened the scoring in the 17th minute, with an assist from Jacob Shaffelburg. Just two minutes later, Austin FC had an opportunity to level the score when Myrto Uzuni was awarded a penalty kick, but his shot was saved by Nashville’s goalkeeper Brian Schwake.
Uzuni made up for his earlier miss by scoring in first-half stoppage time, bringing the score to 1-1. However, just after the hour mark, Nashville secured their victory when Sam Surridge scored a penalty goal in the 60th minute, awarded due to a foul on Jeisson Palacios by Dani Pereira.
The match was a sellout, with an attendance of 20,738 fans. Austin FC registered eight shots on goal but struggled to make many of their opportunities count, while Nashville’s Schwake made crucial saves throughout the match. Despite having 55% possession, Austin FC was unable to convert this into a satisfactory outcome.
Following their lead, Nashville shifted to a defensive strategy, which resulted in fewer scoring chances in the second half. Player Brendan Hines-Ike attributed Nashville’s finals experience to their ability to maintain composure under pressure as they secured their first trophy. Austin FC, currently ranked sixth in the Western Conference standings, will now focus on qualifying for the playoffs. While disappointed by the final result, players acknowledged the significance of reaching the final.
Austin FC’s goalkeeper Brad Stuver emphasized that their goal of winning a trophy remains achievable in future competitions, despite this setback. The U.S. Open Cup featured teams from all levels of American soccer, starting with 96 teams.
Match Summary
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Nashville SC | 2 |
| Austin FC | 1 |
Key Highlights
- Nashville SC first major trophy.
- Hany Mukhtar scored first goal.
- Myrto Uzuni missed a penalty but scored later.
- Sam Surridge scored the winning penalty.
- Match attendance: 20,738
Austin FC’s Next Steps
With their focus shifting to the playoffs, Austin FC will aim to build on their experience from the final as they continue their season. The players are committed to pursuing their goal of winning a trophy in future competitions.
FAQ
- What was the final score of the U.S. Open Cup final?
- Nashville SC defeated Austin FC 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup final.
- When was the U.S. Open Cup final held?
- The final was held on October 1, 2025.
- Where did the U.S. Open Cup final take place?
- The final took place at Q2 Stadium.
- Who scored the opening goal for Nashville SC?
- Hany Mukhtar scored the opening goal for Nashville SC in the 17th minute.
- What was the attendance at the match?
- The final attendance at the match was 20,738, making it a sellout.
- What do Austin FC players plan to focus on following the final?
- Austin FC players will focus on qualifying for the playoffs.
- What significance does this win have for Nashville SC?
- This victory marked Nashville SC’s first major trophy in franchise history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nashville’s Vanderbilt Commodores Rise as College Football’s Unexpected ‘Ruiners’
Additional Resources
- The Tennessean: Nashville SC vs Austin FC Score
- Wikipedia: U.S. Open Cup
- ESPN: Nashville SC vs Austin FC
- Google Search: Nashville SC U.S. Open Cup 2025
- KXAN: Austin FC Eyes First Trophy
- Google Scholar: U.S. Open Cup 2025 Final
- CBS Sports: U.S. Open Cup Final Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: U.S. Open Cup
- MLS Soccer: Austin FC & Nashville SC in Final
- Google News: Nashville SC vs Austin FC Final
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