Nashville SC’s impressive season has led to its first trophy lift in club history.
B.J. Callaghan’s squad edged Austin FC 2-1 on Wednesday to win the 2025 U.S. Open Cup Final. Goals from Hank Mukhtar and Sam Surridge were all the Eastern Conference side needed to pick up the victory at Q2 Stadium.
Mukhtar propelled the visitors in front after 17 minutes, finishing off Jacob Shaffelburg’s pass into the top-left corner.
Austin FC had a golden chance to tie the match four minutes later but Myrto Uzuni’s penalty-kick was denied by Nashville SC goalkeeper Brian Schwake.
Uzuni would exact revenge on Schwake though in first-half stoppage time, slotting home his eighth goal of the season in all competitions.
Surridge would regain the lead in the 60th minute, scoring past Brad Stuver from the penalty spot. Jeisson Palacios drew the foul in the box and Surridge continued his positive campaign with his first goal of October.
Despite Surridge being sent off on stoppage time, Nashville SC held on for the slim road victory before celebrating its first trophy.
Both teams will resume MLS play on Saturday night with Nashville visiting CF Montreal and Austin FC hosting St. Louis CITY SC.
BJ Callaghan has done well at Nashville. I wonder if his name will be popping up for the USMNT for the 2030 cycle.