Nashville wins U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 victory over Austin
Nashville SC emerged victorious in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final against Austin FC, with Sam Surridge sealing the win with a penalty in the 60th minute. This victory secured Nashville a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, marking the first major trophy for the club since its inception in Major League Soccer in 2020.
The U.S. Open Cup, established in 1914, holds the distinction of being the oldest soccer competition in the United States. Hany Mukhtar, who scored for Nashville in the final, expressed the significance of winning a trophy for the club, boosting confidence for the remainder of the MLS season.
Mukhtar opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a spectacular shot that eluded Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Despite an opportunity for Austin to equalize through a penalty, goalkeeper Brian Schwake denied the attempt. Austin eventually found the back of the net through Myrto Uzuni, leveling the score at 1-1 going into halftime.
In the second half, Surridge converted a penalty after a foul on Jeisson Palacios, securing Nashville’s lead and ultimately the championship. However, Surridge received a red card in stoppage time, tempering the celebrations.
Mukhtar highlighted Nashville’s progress in controlling games and emphasized the team’s potential to become one of the best in the league. The final also saw the presence of actor Matthew McConaughey, an Austin FC owner and influential figure within the club.
Notably, the final featured an all-female officiating crew for the first time, showcasing inclusivity and diversity within the sport. The dominance of Major League Soccer teams in the U.S. Open Cup was evident, with the last non-MLS team victory dating back to 1999.
Nashville’s triumph in the U.S. Open Cup adds to the club’s legacy and sets the stage for future success in the MLS. The journey to the championship was a testament to perseverance, skill, and teamwork, solidifying Nashville SC’s status as a formidable force in American soccer.
