In a tense finale that kept fans on edge until the final whistle, Nashville SC edged out Austin FC 2-1 to win the 2025 US Open Cup on Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium. The victory marks the club's first major title, a hard-fought achievement after a season of ups and downs in Major League Soccer. Nashville's players, led by the ever-reliable Hany Mukhtar, showed resilience that had been missing in recent league outings.
The match started cautiously, with both teams probing for weaknesses under the bright lights. Austin, hosting their first-ever final, pressed early, relying on the speed of wingers like Owen Wolff to create chances. But Nashville struck first in the 28th minute when Sam Surridge capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting home from close range. It was a goal that silenced the home crowd, who had packed the stands hoping for a historic upset.
Austin responded fiercely in the second half, equalizing through a well-taken strike by Sebastián Driussi in the 62nd minute. The momentum seemed to shift, and for a stretch, the Verde & Black dominated possession, firing off several shots that tested Nashville's keeper. However, Nashville's defense held firm, and in a counterattack that felt almost inevitable, Mukhtar sealed the win with a curling effort in the 78th minute. Indeed, it was a moment of brilliance amid the chaos.
This triumph not only lifts Nashville's spirits but also secures their spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, a significant boost for a team sitting mid-table in the MLS Eastern Conference. Austin, meanwhile, can rue missed opportunities in what was a gritty performance from Josh Wolff's side. They fought back admirably, but perhaps the weight of the occasion proved too much. Moreover, the loss stings for a club still building its legacy in just its fifth MLS season.
As the confetti fell and Nashville lifted the trophy, it was clear this win could spark something bigger. Yet, in the broader landscape of American soccer, where underdogs often fade, one wonders if this is the start of sustained success or just a fleeting high.