Nashville SC Claims First Trophy With 2-1 Win Over Austin FC in U.S. Open Cup Final

Jonathan Turner
Oct 2
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

AUSTIN, Texas (Oct. 1, 2025) – Nashville SC secured its first major trophy in club history Wednesday night, defeating Austin FC 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup Final before 20,738 fans at Q2 Stadium.

Hany Mukhtar opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing from close range after Jacob Shaffelburg kept a cross alive inside the box. Austin had a chance to equalize midway through the first half, but goalkeeper Brian Schwake denied Myrto Uzuni from the penalty spot.

Austin pulled level in first-half stoppage time when Ilie Sánchez delivered a cross that Uzuni converted to make it 1-1.

The deciding goal came in the 60th minute. Nashville’s Jeisson Palacios drew a foul in the box, and Sam Surridge buried the penalty to restore the lead. Despite Surridge being sent off late after picking up a second yellow card, Nashville held firm to lift the trophy.

Schwake finished with seven saves, including the critical first-half penalty stop, and was named man of the match.

Box Score

U.S. Open Cup Final – October 1, 2025Q2 Stadium – Austin, TexasAttendance: 20,738

Nashville SC 2, Austin FC 1

Scoring Summary:

17’ – NSH: Hany Mukhtar (assist: Jacob Shaffelburg)
45’+1 – ATX: Myrto Uzuni (assist: Ilie Sánchez)
60’ – NSH: Sam Surridge (penalty)

Discipline:

NSH: Jack Maher (YC), Josh Bauer (YC), Sam Surridge (2YC → RC)
ATX: Dani Pereira (YC), Ilie Sánchez (YC), Julio Cascante (YC), Owen Wolff (YC)

Shots (on target): Nashville 7 (2), Austin 16 (8)Possession: Nashville 45.6%, Austin 54.4%Saves: Nashville 7

(Schwake), Austin 0Referee: Tori Penso

Nashville’s victory marked not only the club’s first trophy but also the first professional soccer championship for the city. Austin, playing its first final at home, was left to rue missed opportunities, including the saved penalty and a late push that fell short.