On October 1, 2025, exactly one year ago, Nashville SC won the 2025 US Open Cup with a 2-1 win over Austin FC, the first trophy in the club's history.
Today, we're taking a look back at the match.
The XI
The big question leading into the match was whether or not head coach BJ Callaghan would stick with Brian Schwake in goal. The backup goalie 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.
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
Highlights
The big picture
It's hard to overstate what an important moment this was for Nashville SC. In their first full season under head coach BJ Callaghan, they lifted the first trophy ever for the club. It was validation of all the work that has gone on to get to this point, and in retrospect, it kick-started their exponential improvement in 2026.
First trophy in Tennessee professional sports history!
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) October 1, 2025 at 9:10 PM
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The win was the first time a Tennessee professional team has ever won a championship trophy, adding even more history to the accomplishment.
Five days later, the club celebrated with thousands of fans in front of Geodis Park. It was the type of moment fans of soccer in Nashville will never forget.
Lifting the Cup in Austin ➡️ Bringing it back to Nashville 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PtfuNOssGr
— SixOneFive Soccer (@615Soccer) October 6, 2025
Post-match Media
Gallery
Christina Moore-SixOneFive Soccer
Johel Maza-SixOneFive Soccer
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