As Nashville SC prepare to take on Austin FC in the US Open Cup final, we're revisiting the most important moments in the club's history.
From the USL era to Nashville's 2020 MLS expansion season to taking on Lionel Messi in the Leagues Cup final, we're looking back at the biggest games Nashville.
In honor of Nashville SC's trip to the US Open Cup final, new subscribers can get 25% off a Capo-tier membership now through October 1!
10 - Nashville SC 3-0 Austin FC
September 3, 2022 - MLS regular season
Goals: Walker Zimmerman (49'), Hany Mukhtar (52',90+1')
A night all about the MVP race, Hany Mukhtar and Sebastián Driussi were neck and neck for the most prestigious individual honor in the league. The eyes of media, fans and anyone involved with MLS were on this match. In front of 25,293 Geodis Park patrons, Mukhtar and Nashville SC put on a show, while Driussi and Austin struggled. That night sealed the race for the German, and gave the city of Nashville its first MVP since Steve McNair.
9 - Nashville SC 3-0 Inter Miami CF
November 20, 2020 - MLS Playoffs, play-in round
Goals: Randall Leal (14'), Hany Mukhtar (24'), Dax McCarty (57')
From the moment these two sides were announced as the 2020 expansion class, a weird rivalry was born. In addition to being owned by David Beckham, Inter Miami grabbed the headlines with signing the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi. The attention the Florida side received domestically and international far surpassed anything Nashville SC got.
Miami failed to beat the Boys in Gold in three tries in 2020. The final attempt was a 3-0 loss in the play-in round. Due to the pandemic, only a small number of fans were allowed into Nissan Stadium. Regardless, many Nashville fans will remember this match fondly.
8 - Nashville SC (USL) 2-0 Colorado Rapids
June 6, 2018 - US Open Cup, fourth round
Goals: Michael Azira (OG, 39'), Ropapa Mensah (78')
In their first year of existence, the then-USL side Nashville SC upset the Colorado Rapids of MLS. A number of Nashville SC coaching staff and players were former members of the Rapids, including head coach Gary Smith, who led the Rapids to their only MLS Cup.
7 - Nashville SC 2-2 Club América (6-5 in penalties)
August 8, 2023 - Leagues Cup, round of 16
Goals: Walker Zimmerman (61'), Surridge (90+9')
Nashville's first official meeting against the continent's biggest club was one to remember. Both sides scored in second-half stoppage time, including a game-winning goal for Sam Surridge in the 99th minute on his Nashville debut to send it to penalties.
América's Luis Malagon seemingly won the game by saving Jack Maher's penalty. What followed was 10 minutes of unhinged mayhem, where beer was thrown on the pitch, fights broke and confusion was widespread. Eventually, it turned out that Malagon stepped off of his line, but due to the scenes unfolding, the referee couldn't restart the shootout earlier.
After a wild delay, Dan Lovitz dispatched the winner.
6 - Nashville SC 3-1 Orlando City
November 23, 2021 - MLS Playoffs, first round
Goals: Hany Mukhtar (21', 74'), Jhonder Cadiz (90+4')
Nashville's second season in MLS was their best to date. They finished third with 54 points and +22 goal difference. The Boys in Gold beat Orlando in the last minute away from home on Decision Day to ensure a home playoffs match in the first round. With how congested the Eastern conference was, their playoffs opponent turned out to be Orlando again, but this time it was a home match. Nashville cruised to a 3-1 victory.
Since then, matches between these two have had a physical edge to them and are full of drama.
5 - Columbus Crew 2-0 Nashville SC (AET)
November 29, 2020 - MLS Playoffs, Conference semifinal
After beating Toronto FC 1-0 in extra time, Nashville SC reached the conference semifinal, a place they haven't been able to revisit since. The Boys in Gold kept the game scoreless for the 90 minutes, but the eventual champions showed their quality in extra time.
4 - Nashville SC 1-2 Atlanta United
February 29, 2020 - MLS regular season
Goals: Walker Zimmerman (28')
The first game in the MLS era, almost 60,000 people packed Nissan stadium to help write the history of the sport in Nashville. While the Boys in Gold couldn't get a result, the event was an incredible success and a statement for seasons to come.
3 - Nashville SC 2-0 Monterrey
August 15, 2023 - Leagues Cup, semifinal
Goals: Sam Surridge (67'), Fafà Picault (90+6)
Coming into the Leagues Cup semifinal, Monterrey were one the hottest teams in the continent, and had a roster full of stars. Nashville were not only able to get the win, but they also dominated the game in a way only a few MLS teams have been able to do against Mexican opposition. It was one of the best atmospheres Geodis Park has ever had, and the Boys in Gold clearly felt that on the pitch. The win ensured a spot in the final against Lionel Messi and co.
2 - Austin FC vs. Nashville SC
October 1, 2025 - US Open Cup Final
Regardless of the result, Wednesday night's match is just the second-ever final for Nashville SC. With a historic trophy and a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on the line, a win would be the biggest achievement in club history.
1 - Nashville SC 1-1 Inter Miami CF (9-10)
August 19, 2023 - Leagues Cup, final
A sold-out Geodis Park crowd, a trophy on the line and a visit from the best ever to play the game. The Boys in Gold played hard and looked like they belonged with the best, but after 11 rounds of penalty shootouts, it just wasn't meant to be.
Honorable mentions
- Nashville SC 3-3 FC Cincinnati - 2018 USL regular season - Highlights
- FC Dallas 0-1 Nashville SC - 2020 MLS regular season - Highlights
- Nashville SC 1-1 Philadelphia Union - 2020 MLS regular season - Highlights
- FC Cincinnati 3-6 Nashville SC - 2022 MLS regular season - Highlights
