AUSTIN, TX – Nashville SC took home the first trophy in club history on Wednesday, taking down Austin FC 2-1 at Q2 Stadium to become the first professional sports team in Tennessee history to win a championship trophy.
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!
The XI
The big question leading into the match was whether or not BJ Callaghan would stick with Brian Schwake in goal. The backup 'keeper had started every match of the tournament ahead of regular starter Joe Willis, and Callaghan opted to stick with the man who got him to the final.
Club captain Walker Zimmerman wasn't selected for the match, starting on the bench behind Jeisson Palacios and Jack Maher.
On the pitch
Nashville started the match out on the front foot, controlling the bulk of possession and creating a few half chances, although neither side were able to fully settle. Eventually the visitors found the breakthrough via Hany Mukhtar. The 2022 MLS MVP got on the end of a ball chested down by Jacob Shaffelburg, and thumped home a volley past Brad Stuver.
Who else but Hany Mukhtar?? 🫡@NashvilleSC strike first in the U.S. @opencup Final 💥 pic.twitter.com/FMNbLDJbgA
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) October 2, 2025
As the half wore on, Austin began to threaten more regularly, getting in behind Nashville's backline and forcing Schwake into a couple key saves. One of those came from the penalty spot, denying DP attacker Myrto Uzuni after the 'keeper took him down in the box. It looked like Nashville may weather the storm and get into halftime with the lead, but Uzuni made up for his earlier miss deep into stoppage time, snapping a shot through Schwake's legs to shift momentum Austin's way.
Myrto Uzuni makes amends!@AustinFC find the equalizer to send Q2 Stadium into a frenzy 🟢 pic.twitter.com/NVKmutg6GG
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) October 2, 2025
Nashville struggled to gain much traction in the second half, with a boisterous Austin crowd willing the hosts to take the lead. After more than a handful of nervy moments, it was Nashville who went ahead, with Sam Surridge once again the hero. The club's leading scorer was composed from the penalty spot, rolling his shot right down the center after Jeisson Palacios was pulled down in the box.
Super Sam Surridge strikes again!@NashvilleSC's semifinal hero steps up to slot it home from the spot 🟡 pic.twitter.com/9I1gNmNW7D
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) October 2, 2025
Goals
- 17' | NSH | Hany Mukhtar (Jacob Shaffelburg)
- 45+1 | ATX | Myrto Uzuni (Ilie Sánchez)
- 60 | NSH | Sam Surridge (PK)
The big picture
It's hard to overstate what an important moment this is for Nashville SC. In their first season under head coach BJ Callaghan, they lift the first trophy ever for the club. It's a validation of all the work that has gone on to get to this point, and a jumping off point for the club to continue to pursue silverware.
First trophy in Tennessee professional sports history!
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) 2025-10-02T02:10:27.778Z
We'll have plenty more reactions and thoughts on the win and what it means in the grand scheme of things. For now, it's a moment that no one in the Nashville soccer world will ever forget.
Up next
No rest for Nashville SC. They'll travel back to Music City tonight, and turn around on Friday for a trip to Montreal. That match kicks off at 1:30 pm CT on Saturday.
Stats
Possession: ATX 54% – 46% NSH
Total Passes: ATX 351 – 282 NSH
Shots: ATX 16 – 7 NSH
Shots on goal: ATX 8 – 2 NSH
Penalty kicks: ATX 1 – 1 NSH
Goals: ATX 1 – 2 NSH
Expected goals: ATX 1.96 – 0.91 NSH
Fouls: ATX 10 – 15 NSH
Yellow cards: ATX 4 – 2 NSH
Red cards: ATX 0 – 1 NSH
Announced attendance: 20,738
