The stage is set for a monumental showdown in American soccer as Austin FC prepares to host Nashville SC in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup Final at Q2 Stadium on October 1. For both clubs, this isn’t just another match—it’s a shot at their first-ever major trophy, and the anticipation is reaching fever pitch among fans and players alike.
For Austin FC, the journey to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. On September 17, the Verde and Black faced off against Minnesota United in a tense semifinal at Allianz Field. With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match seemed destined for penalties. But soccer, as ever, is a game of moments, and Austin seized theirs in the dying seconds of extra time. Substitute CJ Fodrey, who’s quickly carving out a reputation as a clutch performer, found himself in the right place at the right time. He pounced on a rebound and fired home the winner, sending Austin’s traveling supporters into delirium. "I blacked out. I'll be honest," Fodrey admitted after the match. "I mean, looking at our traveling fans, it was amazing. So I think that's when I kind of got the consciousness back. And just like, it's amazing, man. It’s awesome."
Head coach Nico Estévez, in his first full season with the club, was equally swept up in the emotion. "I just let it go, you know? I mean, I’m a human also. I’m a very passionate guy for this sport," Estévez said. "I believe a lot in these players. I believe a lot in this team." The win not only marked Austin FC’s first appearance in a tournament final but also capped a historic run for a club that had never even reached the quarterfinals before this year.
The semifinal itself was a rollercoaster. Austin’s starting lineup featured a defensive trio of Brendan Hines-Ike, Julio Cascante, and Mateja Djordjević in front of All-Star goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Early on, the Verde and Black kept Minnesota’s attack at bay, but there were nervy moments. In the 24th minute, Osman Bukari narrowly avoided a red card for a reckless kick at Anthony Markanich, instead receiving a yellow. Bukari made the most of his reprieve, breaking the deadlock just before halftime after latching onto a long ball from Owen Wolff and slotting it through the legs of Minnesota keeper Dayne St. Clair.
But Minnesota wasn’t finished. In the 67th minute, Joaquín Pereyra curled a sensational free kick from 25 yards out into the top corner, leaving Stuver rooted and the match level. Both sides traded chances, but as extra time ticked away, it was Austin’s late push—sparked by Diego Rubio’s pass and Jon Gallagher’s pinpoint cross—that set up Uzuni’s header and Fodrey’s decisive finish.
Meanwhile, Nashville SC’s path to the final was equally impressive, if less dramatic. On September 16, they hosted Philadelphia Union at Geodis Park and cruised to a 3-1 victory, powered by a stunning hat trick from striker Sam Surridge. Surridge’s performance not only sealed Nashville’s first final appearance but also solidified his status as the season’s top scorer—he leads MLS with 21 goals. The Englishman has been ably supported by 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar, who’s contributed 14 goals and 11 assists, and right back Andy Najar, an MLS All-Star with 10 assists of his own.
Nashville’s journey through the tournament has seen them topple the Chattanooga Red Wolves, Orlando City, D.C. United, and Philadelphia, while Austin’s run went through El Paso Locomotive, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes, and Minnesota United. Both sides entered the competition with the 16 MLS teams in the second round, and both have exceeded even their own expectations. Neither club has ever lifted a championship trophy of any kind, and the hunger for silverware is palpable.
The stakes for the final are massive. Not only will the winner claim the 110th edition of the U.S. Open Cup—America’s oldest ongoing soccer competition, dating back to 1914—but they’ll also secure a coveted spot in next season’s CONCACAF Champions Cup, the premier tournament for top clubs across North America. For Nashville, this would mark only their second appearance in the regional competition, having reached the round of 16 in 2024. For Austin, it would be a maiden voyage into continental play.
Statistically, Nashville’s attack is the envy of MLS. Surridge and Mukhtar have been relentless, and the club sits fourth in the Eastern Conference, on the brink of clinching a playoff spot. Austin, meanwhile, has forged its identity on defensive solidity. With only 36 goals conceded in 30 league matches, and Stuver tied for second in the league with 104 saves, the Verde and Black have proven they can grind out results against top opposition. Defender Guilherme Biro also earned All-Star honors, highlighting the team’s balanced approach.
Coaches B.J. Callaghan (Nashville) and Nico Estévez (Austin) are both in their first full campaigns at the helm, adding another layer of intrigue. Callaghan, a former U.S. Men’s National Team assistant, has molded Nashville into a disciplined, attack-minded side, while Estévez, who coached FC Dallas from 2022 to 2024, has instilled belief and resilience in his Austin squad.
Tickets for the final have been snapped up at a feverish pace, with prices ranging from $135 for entry-level seats to $350 for prime sideline views, reflecting the historic nature of the occasion. Q2 Stadium, with its capacity for 20,000 passionate fans, is expected to be rocking on October 1 as the city of Austin braces for its biggest soccer night yet.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time, with live coverage on CBS Sports Network and streaming available via Paramount+. For those unable to attend, the broadcast promises to capture every pulse-pounding moment as two hungry clubs vie for their first taste of glory.
The 2025 U.S. Open Cup began with 96 teams, including 16 from Major League Soccer, making the journey to the final a true test of endurance and quality. Both Austin FC and Nashville SC have navigated upsets, tense shootouts, and dramatic finishes to reach this point. Now, with history on the line and a trophy within reach, only one will emerge as a first-time champion.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the excitement around Austin and Nashville is impossible to ignore. With stars ready to shine and legacies waiting to be written, all eyes turn to Q2 Stadium for a night that promises to deliver drama, passion, and possibly the birth of a new soccer dynasty.
