Nashville SC Aims for U.S. Open Cup Glory in Final Clash Against Austin FC

Nashville SC Pursues Historic U.S. Open Cup Victory Against Austin FC

Austin, TX – Nashville Soccer Club faces Austin FC Wednesday evening in a high-stakes showdown for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship. The match,scheduled for 7:00 p.m.CT, presents Nashville SC with a golden chance to secure its first major trophy and deliver a long-awaited championship to the state of tennessee.

The Stakes Are High for Tennessee’s Teams

For Tennessee sports fans, Wednesday’s match represents more than just a soccer game. The state has witnessed the arrival of professional teams in multiple leagues – the Tennessee Titans in the NFL in 1997, the Nashville Predators in the NHL in 1998, and the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA in 2001 – however, a major professional championship has remained elusive. The Predators reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017, and the Titans competed in Super bowl XXXIV in 2000, but both came up short. Nashville SC’s previous final appearance in the 2023 Leagues Cup ended in a penalty shootout defeat against Inter Miami.

Key Players to Watch

English striker Sam Surridge currently leads the Open Cup’s goal-scoring charts with an impressive five goals, despite only appearing in two matches during Nashville’s run to the final. Surridge’s performance in the semi-final against Philadelphia, where he scored all three of Nashville’s goals in a 3-1 victory, was especially noteworthy.He also contributed two goals to the team’s 5-2 quarterfinal win against D.C. United. With Austin’s Brandon Vazquez sidelined due to surgery, Surridge has a clear path to securing the competition’s golden boot.

The goalkeeping situation presents an intriguing dilemma for Head Coach B.J. Callaghan.Veteran Joe Willis boasts an extensive 15-year MLS career with 76 clean sheets and has been a mainstay in Nashville’s net throughout the 2025 regular season. However, Callaghan has consistently favored Brian Schwake in the Open Cup, providing the young goalkeeper valuable experience in the competition.

Series History and Upcoming Schedule

Nashville SC holds a slight edge in the head-to-head series against Austin FC, with a record of 2-1-1.Notably,Austin has yet to defeat Nashville at Q2 Stadium,with their previous encounter ending in a 1-1 draw in September 2022. Following Wednesday’s final, Nashville SC will travel to Montreal for its final regular-season road game on Saturday, October 4th, with a kickoff time of 1:30 p.m. CT.

Here’s a rapid look at the head-to-head record:

Team	Wins	Losses	Draws
Nashville SC	2	1	1
Austin FC	1	2	1

The U.S. Open Cup: A Historic Competition

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, founded in 1914, is an annual knockout competition open to all U.S. Soccer-affiliated teams. It’s known for its unpredictable nature, often providing a platform for underdog stories and surprising upsets. The competition has grown in prestige over the years, attracting increased attention from MLS clubs and their fan bases. Learn more about the U.S. Open Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the U.S. Open Cup? The U.S. Open Cup is an annual knockout tournament featuring teams across all levels of American soccer.
• Where can I watch the Nashville SC vs. Austin FC final? The match will be broadcast on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network.
• Has Tennessee ever won a major professional sports championship? No, Wednesday’s final presents the first opportunity for a Tennessee team to secure a major pro title in decades.
• Who is Sam Surridge and why is he notable? Sam Surridge is Nashville SC’s leading goalscorer in the U.S. open Cup and a key player to watch in the final.
• What is the significance of this match for Nashville SC? This match offers Nashville SC the chance to secure their first-ever trophy and make history for the club and the state of Tennessee.

Will Nashville SC seize this historic opportunity and bring a championship trophy to Tennessee? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!

What tactical adjustments might Nashville SC need to make to counter Austin FC’s offensive strengths?

The Road to the Final: Nashville SC’s U.S. Open Cup Run

Nashville SC is on the cusp of history, preparing for a showdown against Austin FC in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup Final. This marks a significant moment for the club and its supporters, representing a chance to secure their first major trophy. The U.S. Open Cup, a tournament open to professional and amateur teams across the United States, has a rich history of upsets and underdog stories. Nashville SC’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience and tactical prowess.

Here’s a breakdown of their path:

* round of 128: A dominant 3-0 victory against USL League Two side, Tormenta FC.

* Round of 32: A hard-fought 2-1 win over MLS rivals, Atlanta United.

* Round of 16: A commanding 4-0 performance against USL Championship team, Charleston Battery.

* Quarterfinals: A thrilling penalty shootout victory (5-4) after a 1-1 draw against Sporting Kansas City.

* Semifinals: A decisive 2-0 win against the Houston Dynamo, securing their place in the final.

This run demonstrates Nashville SC’s ability to compete against diverse opposition, showcasing their strength across all levels of American soccer. Key players like Hany Mukhtar and Walker zimmerman have been instrumental in this success, consistently delivering match-winning performances.

Austin FC: A Formidable Opponent

Austin FC presents a significant challenge. The Texas-based club has quickly established itself as a force in MLS, known for its attacking flair and passionate fanbase. Their own U.S. Open Cup journey has been equally impressive, featuring victories against high-profile opponents.

Key factors to consider about Austin FC:

* Offensive Power: Austin FC boasts a dynamic attack led by sebastián Driussi, a proven goalscorer in MLS.

* Midfield Control: their midfield, orchestrated by Jhojan Vásquez, dictates the tempo of many games.

* defensive Solidity: While known for attacking prowess, Austin FC’s defense, anchored by Julio Cascante, has proven resilient.

* Recent Form: Austin FC has been in strong form leading up to the final, winning four of their last five MLS matches.

The clash between Nashville SC’s organized defense and Austin FC’s potent attack promises to be a captivating tactical battle.

Key Matchups to Watch

Several individual matchups will likely determine the outcome of the final.

* Hany Mukhtar vs. Sebastián Driussi: The battle between these two Designated Players could be decisive. Both are capable of moments of individual brilliance and will be crucial for their respective teams’ attacking efforts.

* Walker Zimmerman vs. Gyurso: Zimmerman, a rock in Nashville SC’s defense, will have his hands full containing Austin FC’s dynamic forward.

* Nashville SC’s Wingbacks vs. Austin FC’s Fullbacks: The battle on the flanks will be crucial for controlling the width of the game and creating attacking opportunities.

Tactical Approaches & Potential Lineups

nashville SC, under the guidance of head coach gary Smith, is expected to employ a disciplined and organized defensive structure. Their counter-attacking prowess, spearheaded by mukhtar, will be key to exploiting any vulnerabilities in Austin FC’s defense. A likely Nashville SC lineup (4-3-3):

* Goalkeeper: Joe Willis

* Defenders: Daniel Lovitz, Walker Zimmerman, jack Maher, Alex Muyl

* Midfielders: Dax McCarty, sean Davis, Hany Mukhtar

* Forwards: Sam Surridge, Teal Bunbury, Fafa Picault

Austin FC, typically favoring a more attacking approach, will likely aim to dominate possession and create scoring chances through intricate passing combinations. A potential Austin FC lineup (4-3-3):

* Goalkeeper: Brad Stuver

* Defenders: Jon Gallagher, julio Cascante, Kipp Keller, Gavin Beavers

* Midfielders: Jhojan Vásquez, Leo Väisänen, Diego Fagúndez

* Forwards: Sebastián Driussi, Maxi Urruti, Emiliano Rigoni

U.S. Open Cup History & Significance

The U.S. Open Cup holds a special place in American soccer history. Established in 1914, it’s the oldest soccer competition in the United States. While MLS clubs have dominated in recent years, the tournament continues to provide opportunities for teams from all levels to compete for national glory.

* Historical Upsets: The Open Cup is renowned for its upsets, with amateur and lower-league teams often causing problems for MLS sides.

* Path to CONCACAF champions Cup: The U.S. Open Cup champion earns a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, providing a pathway to compete against the best clubs in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

* Fan Engagement: The tournament fosters a unique atmosphere, attracting passionate supporters from across the soccer landscape.

Benefits of Winning the U.S. Open Cup

Securing the U.S. Open