Nashville SC etched its name into soccer history on Wednesday night, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Austin FC in the 2025 US Open Cup final at Q2 Stadium. The win marks the club's first major trophy, a breakthrough moment after years of building in Major League Soccer. Goals from Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge propelled the Boys in Gold, while Austin managed a late consolation through their persistent attack. Indeed, the match unfolded with the intensity expected from two expansion-era teams hungry for silverware.
Austin FC, hosting the decider, started strong, pressing high and creating chances early on. But Nashville's defense held firm, absorbing pressure before striking on the counter. Mukhtar's first-half strike—a clinical finish from outside the box—shifted the momentum, and Surridge doubled the lead just after halftime with a header off a corner. However, Austin refused to fade; they pulled one back in the 78th minute, setting up a frantic finish. Goalkeeper Brad Stuver made crucial saves for Nashville, denying what could have been an equalizer. The Verde & Black, despite the home crowd's roar, couldn't quite force extra time.
This triumph secures Nashville a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, opening doors to regional competition. For Austin, it's another near-miss in a season marked by inconsistency— they've scored freely in cup ties but faltered in key moments. Moreover, the loss stings for a team that reached the final with a string of upsets, including victories over higher-seeded MLS sides. Nashville's coach praised the resilience, noting how the squad responded to a grueling schedule. Yet, questions linger about sustaining this form in league play.
In the end, one trophy changes trajectories, but for both clubs, the real test comes in maintaining that edge amid the league's grind.