A Night to Remember in Austin
Deep in the heart of Texas, Nashville SC etched its name into history. With a 2-1 victory over Austin FC in front of more than 20,000 fans at Q2 Stadium, the Boys in Gold secured the 110th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup — delivering the first professional sports championship for the state of Tennessee.
The moment marks a milestone not only for the club but for Nashville sports culture as a whole.
Mukhtar and Surridge Deliver
Captain Hany Mukhtar opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a crisp volley, showing why he remains one of MLS’s elite playmakers. After Austin equalized through Myrto Uzuni just before halftime, it was Sam Surridge — the tournament’s Golden Boot winner — who calmly buried a penalty in the 60th minute to restore the lead.
Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake added to the legend, saving a first-half penalty that kept the momentum alive.
The Road to the Cup
To lift the trophy, head coach B.J. Callaghan’s squad navigated a gauntlet that included:
- Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
- Orlando City SC
- D.C. United (Quarterfinals)
- Philadelphia Union (Semifinals)
Wednesday’s win was Nashville’s second Open Cup Final appearance — and this time, they didn’t leave empty-handed.
Austin’s Fight Comes Up Short
Austin FC, under first-year head coach Nico Estévez, pushed Nashville to the limit. The Verde & Black peppered Nashville with 16 shots to just 7 and controlled stretches of play, but they couldn’t find the late magic that carried them through the semifinals.
For a young squad, the run to the Final still signals progress and resilience — and a foundation to build on.
What’s Next
By lifting the Dewar Challenge Trophy, Nashville SC also earns a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, joining North America’s elite clubs.
It’s a new chapter for Nashville sports — one where soccer is officially the trailblazer.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.