October 3 – Nashville SC engraved their name in US Open Cup history on Wednesday night, defeating Austin FC 2-1 at Q2 Stadium to claim the club’s first major trophy since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) just four years ago.
Nashville, launched in 2020, and Austin, who debuted a year later, have established themselves as genuine contenders in MLS.
Hany Mukhtar, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a cool finish after Jacob Shaffelburg cushioned a cross perfectly into his path. “I think it is important for us that we know that we can do it, that we can win a trophy,” Mukhtar said. “It gives us extra confidence for the rest of the season.”
Austin nearly hit back immediately, but goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved Myrto Uzuni’s penalty. The Albanian forward, however, atoned before halftime, racing on to an Ilie Sánchez pass and firing between Schwake’s legs to level the contest.
The decisive moment came after the break when Dani Pereira fouled Jeisson Palacios inside the area. Sam Surridge dispatched the penalty to restore Nashville’s lead, however, his joy would be somewhat short-lived as he would take an early bath after seeing red for a second yellow. With B.J. Callaghan’s side taking the air out of the game, the final whistle saw them book their ticket to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Mukhtar added: “I think this year we showed we can control games with the ball. That is a big improvement. And I still believe we have at least one step to go to be a top team, to be one of the best teams in this league.”
Austin, backed by Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey, will likely feel that this was an opportunity missed, but their rise has mirrored Nashville’s in many ways, and the future is bright.
On a night when the final was officiated by an all-women crew, led by referee Tori Penso, Nashville SC stepped into the spotlight as a club ready for bigger stages, which the Concacaf Champions Cup will surely provide.
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