In a match that had everything from early promise to late drama, Nashville SC captured their first major trophy Wednesday night, edging out Austin FC 2-1 in the US Open Cup final at Q2 Stadium. The victory, sealed under the Austin lights, marks a historic moment for the Tennessee side, who have long chased silverware in Major League Soccer.
The game kicked off with Austin pressing hard, their home crowd roaring as they sought to claim the title in front of their fans. But Nashville struck first in the 23rd minute when Hany Mukhtar slotted home a clinical finish, exploiting a defensive lapse from the Verde & Black. Indeed, Mukhtar's goal set the tone, though Austin responded just before halftime through Sam Surridge, who powered in a header from a corner to level the scores at 1-1. It was a gritty equalizer, one that hinted at the fightback to come—or so it seemed.
However, the second half belonged to Nashville. They absorbed Austin's waves of attacks, with goalkeeper Joe Willis making a couple of crucial saves that kept the scoreline intact. Then, in the 78th minute, Walker Zimmerman rose highest to nod in a set-piece winner, sending the traveling supporters into ecstasy. Austin pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but their efforts fizzled out, leaving the home side to rue missed chances—particularly from young star Owen Wolff, who couldn't quite convert.
This triumph earns Nashville a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, a boost amid a middling MLS season. For Austin, it's another near-miss in a campaign plagued by inconsistencies, though reaching the final itself shows promise under coach Josh Wolff. Moreover, the match highlighted the depth of American soccer, with both teams blending MLS talent and academy prospects effectively.
Yet, as the confetti settled and the players lifted the trophy, questions linger about sustaining this momentum in the grueling league schedule ahead.