Nashville SC

2025 US Open Cup: Sam Surridge of Nashville SC voted TheCup.us Player of Tournament

November 18, 2025 by MaryBeth Zmuda

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, American soccer’s oldest and most prestigious knockout tournament, has a long history of crowning unlikely heroes. Yet, few tournaments have seen a striker dominate with such brutal efficiency and decisive impact as Sam Surridge did in the 2025 edition. The Nashville SC forward didn’t just win the Golden Boot as the top scorer; his incredible scoring run—culminating in the championship-winning goal—made him the undeniable centerpiece of the competition, delivering an MVP-caliber performance that secured the club’s first-ever major trophy.

Despite only playing in three of his team’s five games, Surridge tied the Modern Era’s single-tournament record with six goals. Surridge also became just the sixth Modern Era player to score a game-winning goal in three consecutive games and just the second player to score a hat trick in a Semifinal game. His performance was enough for him to be voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament.

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Surridge distanced himself from the second place finisher, Ricardo Jerez of the Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL League One), who was named the Lower Division Player of the Tournament. Nashville SC goalkeeper Brian Schwake finished third.

The bulk of his formative years were spent navigating the demanding loan system, a crucial rite of passage for young players in England aiming for first-team exposure. These spells honed his competitive edge and provided him with the necessary grit to perform under pressure. He capped off that period by making his Premier League debut for AFC Bournemouth in February of 2019, a momentous occasion that underscored his upward trajectory.

Sam Surridge of Nashville SC scores a goal against the Philadelphia Union in the Semifinals of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Nashville SC

Surridge eventually made the move across the Atlantic in July 2023, joining Nashville SC as a Designated Player. While highly-regarded, few could have predicted the sheer dominance he would unleash in the 2025 US Open Cup, the tournament that would ultimately solidify his place in the annals of Nashville SC history.

Sam Surridge’s selection as the pivotal figure of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, recognized widely through his Golden Boot accomplishment and the defining nature of his goals, was a result of a tournament performance marked by efficiency, variety, and timely execution. He achieved the remarkable feat of scoring six goals in just three games, averaging a stunning two goals per match, a rate of productivity rarely seen in the competition’s Modern Era.

Surridge was about to show what he’s made of with devastating effect in the Quarterfinal against D.C. United. In a crucial come-from-behind rout that saw Nashville ultimately prevail 5-2, Surridge scored a brace that provided the necessary impetus to swing the momentum back in Nashville’s favor, demonstrating his capability to deliver crucial goals in high-stakes elimination matches.

If the Quarterfinal previewed his form, the Semifinal cemented his legendary status for the tournament. Against the Philadelphia Union, Surridge delivered a sensational hat-trick, propelling Nashville to a commanding 3-1 victory and their first-ever U.S. Open Cup Final appearance.

The goals showcased the complete package of the 6’3” striker. Two of his goals were characteristic headers, leveraging his height and aerial prowess—a consistent threat throughout his career. However, it was his third goal that stood out, a moment of individual brilliance that sealed the win. On the receiving end of a long ball upfield, Surridge executed an exquisite full-volley, striking the ball with perfect technique to nestle it into the top corner of the net. As Nashville’s head coach, B.J. Callaghan noted, Surridge is a player who “scores when it counts,” and this spectacular strike was the very definition of a meaningful moment.

All the goals and performances led to the Final against Austin FC, played on the road at Q2 Stadium. With the score knotted at 1-1 after Hany Mukhtar had given Nashville an early lead, the tension was palpable. The decisive moment arrived at the 60’ minute when a penalty was awarded to Nashville.

Stepping up to the spot to take the tournament-best sixth goal, He drilled the shot straight up the middle, beating the goalkeeper and giving Nashville the 2-1 lead they would ultimately defend until the final whistle. This game-winning goal secured not only the Golden Boot trophy for Surridge but, more importantly, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy for Nashville SC—the first major professional sports championship in Tennessee history.

Sam Surridge’s U.S. Open Cup campaign was a masterclass in center-forward play. His six goals in three games was a historical output, and the fact that his final goal was the game-winner in the final match against a fierce opponent, provides the perfect narrative for an MVP honor. He didn’t just score goals; he scored the right goals at the right moments—the brace to turn the tide in the Quarterfinal, the hat-trick to crush the Semifinal opponent, and the game-winning penalty to clinch the trophy.

In a club determined to succeed through “out-teaming” opponents and fighting for something “larger than ourselves,” as described by Coach Callaghan, Surridge provided the singular, irreplaceable component, the immovable ability to perform under a potentially crushing amount of pressure. His success in the U.S. Open Cup, coupled with his phenomenal form in MLS play, places the Englishman in a rare echelon of Nashville SC legends and confirms him as one of the most impactful mid-season signings in recent MLS history. His name will forever be synonymous with the club’s first taste of major silverware.

2025 US Open Cup Final: Brian Schwake of Nashville SC voted TheCup.us Player of Round

October 16, 2025 by Zach Stein

Graphic: Phil Naegely | Photo: Nashville SC

Brian Schwake made seven saves including a penalty save to help lift Nashville SC to the 2025 US Open Cup title and the first trophy in club history. The 2-1 win in the US Open Cup Final came on the road against Austin FC in front of a sold-out crowd at Q2 Stadium. With that performance, Schwake has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

The runners-up for the award were both teammates. Hany Mukhtar, who opened the scoring with a bouncing volley, followed by Semifinals Player of the Round winner Sam Surridge, whose penalty tied the Modern Era single-tournament record for goals scored at six.

Since the award was first given out in 2006, Schwake becomes just the fourth goalkeeper to win Player of the Round for the Final. The last netminder to win the award was Tim Melia of Sporting Kansas City in 2017.

Halfway through the first half and shortly after Hany Mukhtar scored that opening goal, Austin FC had their first chance of the game on a through pass into the penalty box meant for Myrto Uzuni. Schwake dove for the ball but clipped the foot of Uzuni, and referee Tori Penso gave Austin the penalty. Schwake immediately made up for the foul with a perfect diving save to his left on Uzuni’s penalty kick. Schwake made three other saves in the first half, including two shots in the box by Osman Bukari and a diving save on a powerful shot near the edge of the box by Owen Wolff.

Brian Schwake of Nashville catches the ball in traffic against Austin FC in the 2025 US Open Cup Final. Photo: Nashville SC

Schwake was beaten for the first and only time shortly after stoppage time began. A perfect pass from Ilié Sanchez set up a one-on-one between Schwake and Uzuni, and the latter slotted the ball between Schwake’s legs to even the score entering halftime.

Nashville’s defence did a good job forcing Austin to take low-quality shots throughout the second half, and Schwake wasn’t tested until the 73rd minute, when he lifted Osman Bukari’s second near-post shot of the match over the crossbar. On the ensuing corner, Mikkel Desler made a weak shot from far outside the box that Schwake easily caught.

As the second half wore on, fouls piled up and the game’s tempo gradually slowed. Chances were rare for both teams, but one of Austin’s best came in the 84th minute. Owen Wolff won a free kick and hit a strong shot directly at Schwake, but Schwake maintained his cool and collected the ball without issue.

Bukari’s last-minute shot in the box was blocked, and soon afterwards the final whistle blew in Austin. Nashville won through making the most of what few chances they had with the help of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, but it was Schwake’s heroics to deny Austin’s opportunities that led to him being named our Player of the Round.

Schwake’s performance exceeded his role within Nashville SC, as he is typically the team’s backup goalkeeper behind Joe Willis and has yet to make an MLS appearance.

Brian Schwake of Nashville SC shouts during the 2025 US Open Cup Final against Austin FC. Photo: Nashville SC

It’s not uncommon for a club to use a backup goalkeeper for US Open Cup games. Although, oftentimes, when a team reaches the Semifinals or the Final, the regular starter is put back in. Schwake played every minute of Nashville’s Open Cup title run, which is a rare feat for any goalkeeper and highlights the faith the coaching staff has in Schwake.

“I think the whole coaching staff is so great about supporting us throughout the year and we know that they have full trust in all of us,” Schwake told CBS Sports after the game. “They give us all the confidence to go out and play and they give us the courage to go out and make mistakes and they trust us and that’s all you can ask for as a player.”

GKs who have played every minute of a
US Open Cup championship run
Jeff Causey (Richmond Kickers) – 1995
Zach Thornton (Chicago Fire) – 2000
Kevin Hartman (Los Angeles Galaxy) – 2001
Jon Busch (Columbus Crew) – 2002
Matt Pickens (Chicago Fire) – 2006
Matt Reis (New England Revolution) – 2007
Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC) – 2009
Tim Melia (Sporting KC) – 2015, 2017
Andrew Tarbell (Houston Dynamo) – 2023
Brian Schwake (Nashville SC) – 2025

Schwake is only the 11th goalkeeper to start every match for an Open Cup-winning team, and just the third backup goalkeeper to do so. The first backup goalkeeper to play every minute of an Open Cup championship run in the Modern Era was Matt Pickens with the 2006 Chicago Fire, who now serves as Nashville’s goalkeeping coach.

Despite 2025 being his first season in the United States, Schwake is no stranger to cup success. His professional career began in Scotland on loan spells from Livingston FC, during which he led Linlithgow Rose, Edinburgh City, Greenock Morton on cup runs that exceeded expectations. While later serving as the backup goalkeeper for Castellón in Spain, his ten saves in a Round of 32 match against La Liga side Osasuna saw him named in Fútbol Total’s Team of the Round.

Though Schwake’s MLS debut is yet to come, his performance in the Final will surely have Nashville fans at ease. Whether as a backup goalkeeper or as a starter, at only 24 years old, Schwake has a bright future ahead of him.

2025 US Open Cup Final: Nashville SC edges Austin FC to bring Tennessee first major trophy

October 2, 2025 by Zach Stein

Nashville SC celebrate after defeating Austin FC 2-1 to win the 2025 US Open Cup title. Photo: Laura Gallo

The Boys in Gold from Nashville SC took the gold in the 110th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final, which featured two first-time finalists facing off for the first time this season. The match was hosted by Austin FC at Q2 Stadium, with a sellout crowd of 20,738 that included about 300 traveling Nashville fans. Hany Mukhtar opened the scoring for the visitors, but Sam Surridge’s record-tying penalty kick goal in the 60th minute proved to be the difference as Nashville defeated Austin FC 2-1.

With the win, Nashville SC wins the club’s first major trophy since joining Major League Soccer in 2020 and becomes the first Tennessee-based club in the US Open Cup’s 110-year history to lift the trophy. It also is the first major trophy earned by a top-level professional team in any of the major sports leagues (MLS, NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL).

Both teams played league matches last weekend, but only Austin’s starting eleven saw significant changes, with just four players kept in the lineup from their loss against Real Salt Lake. In contrast, Nashville’s starting eleven was nearly identical to how it was against Houston, with backup goalkeeper Brian Schwake in place of Joe Willis as the only replacement.

Nashville’s slow tempo making heavy use of crosses bore fruit in the 17th minute, as Hany Mukhtar volleyed in a ball that bounced off the chest of Jacob Schaffelburg into the far corner. It was Mukhtar’s fourth career Open Cup goal, and his first of the 2025 tournament.

Just two minutes later, Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake tripped Myrto Uzuni on a breakaway in the penalty box. The controversial call, which was upheld by video replay, led to Uzuni taking the penalty kick. However, Schwake made up for the foul by diving to his left to keep Austin off the scoresheet.

In the 30th minute, Dani Pereira received the first yellow card of the match on a reckless tackle. Austin’s aggressive pace put emphasis on creating one-on-one situations brought most of the first half’s chances, and on yet another one-on-one at the beginning of stoppage time.

Uzuni made up for his missed penalty by slotting captain Ilié Sanchez’s cross under Schwake to tie the match before halftime. In addition to being Uzuni’s third goal of the tournament, it was Sanchez’s first career Open Cup assist.

The second half was marred by numerous fouls, including a yellow card for Sanchez in the 50th minute. Seven minutes later, on a Nashville corner, Jeisson Palacios was fouled by Dani Pereira in the penalty box. Though Pereira avoided a second yellow card, Sam Surridge took the lead for Nashville by striking the ball right down the middle. The goal and the foul call that led to the PK would be a topic of post-game conversation.

Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC celebrates after scoring a goal against Austin FC in the 2025 US Open Cup Final. Photo: Laura Gallo

After the game, a number of Austin FC players and coaches did not hold back their criticism of the call made by referee Tori Penso, who made history on Wednesday night by leading the first all-female officiating crew for a US Open Cup Final in the tournament’s history.

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“It’s a Final, it doesn’t matter how you play, it’s about winning the game,” said Austin FC’s Jon Gallagher. “But when you see the decision that was made to win the game: poor. I think we need to have an honest reflection about … the call. The second goal was poor.”

Surridge’s score from the penalty spot was his sixth goal of the competition, tying the single-tournament record for the Modern Era (1995-present). The England native became the 11th player in the Modern Era to score six goals in a single tournament, and first to do it since 2019 (Darwin Quintero – Minnesota United FC).

Two more yellow cards were given in the 61st and 66th minutes to Austin’s Julio Cascante and Jack Maher respectively. However, the steady march of fouls wasn’t able to prevent either team from creating chances. Austin began to float crosses high in the box but couldn’t time their headers to get the ball past Schwake.

The match slowed to a crawl by the 80th minute, as Nashville began to waste time and Austin abandoned their aggression in favor of a methodical approach relying on crosses. The booking and fouls continued to pile up for both teams, culminating in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Surridge received a second yellow card after he kicked the ball away as Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver tried to restart play with a goal kick. Though they were reduced to ten men for the final few seconds, Nashville blocked Osman Bukari’s last-ditch effort to tie the game for Austin.

Despite Austin having twice as many total shots and eight shots on target compared to Nashville’s two, Austin wasn’t able to make the most of their opportunities, while Nashville managed to stay clutch and composed against the sold-out crowd.

Nashville head coach B.J. Callaghan credited the Austin and Nashville supporters who combined for the seventh-largest crowd to witness a US Open Cup Final in tournament history.

“I give credit to the Austin fans, they made a difficult environment for us,” said Callaghan who went 5-0-0 in his first entry as a head coach in the US Open Cup this year. “But at the same time, I think it needs to be recognized that part of that largest crowd is a massive traveling crowd from Nashville. And how we handled it is that we heard them, we felt, you know, in the end of the game, you need that extra boost. So that hand on your back and then we were able to get that … credit for these guys, for putting in a big performance in a tough environment.”

After the final whistle blew, Nashville’s players jogged across the pitch to celebrate with the fans who gave them the boost they needed. With their US Open Cup title, Nashville have qualified for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Whether or not their next campaign in the Open Cup is successful, this tournament is undoubtedly the highlight of the young club’s history.

“It is important for us that we know that we can do it, that we can win a trophy,” Mukhtar told CBS Sports after the game. “It gives us extra confidence for the rest of the season.”

#USOC2025 Stats:

* Nashville SC goalkeeper Joe Willis and forward Teal Bunbury joined an exclusive club. Both players joined James Riley as the only players to win three US Open Cup titles with three different clubs in the Modern Era. Joe Willis lifted the trophy with D.C. United in 2013 and with the Houston Dynamo in 2018. Bunbury won the tournament with Sporting Kansas City in 2012 and the New England Revolution in 2016.

* Brian Schwake becomes just the 11th goalkeeper to win the US Open Cup in the Modern Era and play in every game. He is one of only three on that list to be the team’s backup goalkeeper (Matt Pickens and Andrew Tarbell)

Jeff Causey (Richmond Kickers) – 1995Zach THornton (Chicago Fire) – 2000Kevin Hartman (Los Angeles Galaxy) – 2001Jon Busch (Columbus Crew) – 2002Matt Pickens (Chicago Fire) – 2006Matt Reis (New England Revolution) – 2007Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC) – 2009Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City) – 2015Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City) – 2017Andrew Tarbell (Houston Dynamo) – 2023Brian Schwake (Nashville SC) – 2025

2025 US Open Cup Final Preview: Austin FC hosts Nashville SC in battle of first-time finalists

September 30, 2025 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

For just the third time in the last 20 years the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final will be contested by a pair of teams making their first appearance in the Final. In fact, Nashville SC and Austin FC had never even reached the Semifinals prior to this year, something that hasn’t happened since Atlanta United met Minnesota United in the 2019 Final.

The 2025 Final also marks the first time in the Modern Era the teams in an all-MLS championship game have not faced each other in any other official competition during the season. Neither team participated in the 2024 US Open Cup, with MLS NEXT Pro’s Austin FC II playing in place of their MLS parent club and Nashville SC having no representation.

US Soccer also announced that there will be history made with the officials. Wednesday’s Final will feature the first all-female officiating crew in the tournament’s history. Tori Penso will be the referee for the championship game with Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt as the assistants on the sidelines.

TheCup.us will have live updates of both games as both games will be streamed live on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports Network. You can find those updates on X (Twitter) and Blue Sky.

2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final
October 1, 2025
Nashville SC at Austin FC
Q2 Stadium – Austin, TX
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
TV: Paramount+ / CBS Sports Network

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Nashville and Austin have not met each other in the 2025 MLS season, nor have they ever met in U.S. Open Cup play. Ironically, the clubs wrapped up their 2025 preseason on Feb. 15 against each other, with Austin prevailing 2-1 on a pair of Osman Bukari goals.

The last competitive match the teams faced each other in was an MLS game on Aug. 24, 2024, Austin won 2-0 on goals from Osman Bukari and Jon Gallagher.

ROAD TO THE SEMIFINALS: Nashville SC

In the Fourth Round, despite outshooting their opponents 14-3, Nashville only managed a 1-0 win over the Chattanooga Red Wolves from USL League One. Josh Bauer scored the lone goal in the 18th minute.

Their Round of 16 game at Orlando City was much closer. After drawing level after an Orlando City own goal, Ahmed Qasem gave Nashville a 2-1 lead minutes before halftime. Orlando pulled level 15 minutes into the second half, but with 11 minutes remaining, Wyatt Meyer scored the goal that eventually put Nashville in the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2022.

Nashville’s Quarterfinal affair at home against D.C. United got off to a rocky start, with the home side trailing 2-0 after 24 minutes. From then on, it was all Nashville who scored five unanswered goals, four in the second half, to prevail 5-2 and book their first ever Semifinal appearance. Team goalscoring leader Sam Surridge scored twice, and Jonathan Perez, Andy Najar and Walker Zimmerman provided the rest.

Nashville booked their first ever Open Cup Finals appearance with a win in their first ever Semifinals appearance. It turned out to be the Sam Surridge show, as the English striker netted all three goals for Nashville. Surridge struck first in the 36th minute after heading in a headed pass from Jeisson Palacios off a throw in. Surridge scored his second five minutes after halftime when he headed in a rebound from a Jacob Shaffelburg shot. The Union cut the lead in half in the 70th minute on a Quinn Sullivan goal, but Surridge slammed the door shut in the 84th minute when he beat Union goalkeeper Andrw Rick after a long pass from Daniel Lovitz. Surridge’s performance earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

ROAD TO THE SEMIFINALS: Austin FC

Austin FC staged a stunning comeback to win their opening game. Down 2-0 to the El Paso Locomotive for the first 73 minutes, Brandon Vázquez began a run that saw Austin score three times in eight minutes. Myrto Uzuni followed with the game-tying goal (assisted by Vázquez), then three minutes later, Vázquez scored his second in the 80th minute for a 3-2 lead. Owen Wolff assisted on both of Vázquez’s goals.

Despite being outshot 20-10, Austin came away with a 3-1 win over the Houston Dynamo in the Round of 16. Goals from Brandon Vázquez, Osman Bukari and Ilie Sánchez built up a 3-0 lead that Houston was unable to overcome.

Austin’s match at San Jose came with good news and terrible news. The good, Austin advanced on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The terrible news was that leading goalscorer Brandon Vázquez tore the ACL in his right knee in the 70th minute, putting him out for the remainder of the season. It was Vázquez’s penalty shortly before his injury that tied the game at 1-1 and Myrto Uzuni converted another PK with five minutes left in extra time to make it 2-2. In the penalty kick tiebreakers, Austin made all four of their shots while Brad Stuver stopped of San Jose’s to move Austin to the Semifinals for the first time ever.

Like Nashville, Austin was making their first ever appearance in an Open Cup Semifinal, and came away with a dramatic 2-1 extra time win over Minnesota United. Osman Bukari opened the scoring in first half stoppage time when his close range shot trickled into the goal after being partially blacked by Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The Loons equalized through Joaquín Pereyra in the 67th minute and the game ended up going to extra time. After 30 minutes of scoreless play a penalty shootout seemed certain, but in the 120th minute CJ Fodrey knocked in a rebound from a shot by Myrto Uzuni.

CURRENT FORM

Outside of reaching the Open Cup Final, August and September have been a pair of months to forget for Nashville. A 12-game unbeaten run helped them to vault up the MLS Eastern Conference table and into the top three of the Eastern Conference. However, a 2-5-0 run has sent them tumbling down the standings to sixth place. While Nashville has clinched a playoff spot, they only have two games left to try and move back into the top 4 and regain home field advantage for the First Round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Nashville’s attack is led by Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar. Surridge leads the team with 22 goals scored, and Mukhtar has 14. Surridge is third in MLS behind Lionel Messi (24) and Dennis Bouanga (23). Mukhtar also leads the team with assists at 11, with Andy Najar behind him with 10. Goalkeeper Joe Willis is in the league’s top 10 with 9 clean sheets, though the last time Nashville shut out an opponent was a 1-0 win on July 19 vs. Toronto.

Austin has been living near the bottom half of the playoff field for most of the year, and a 3-3-2 record in August and September has both kept them from pulling away from the playoff cutoff and kept them close to it. Currently they are six points clear of the final playoff spot with three games to go. Since losing Brandon Vázquez for the season on July 8, Austin has increased its goalscoring output, netting 19 goals in the 10 games since Vázquez went down, as opposed to 15 goals in 21 games before his injury.

Austin has the lowest goals scored total among playoff teams and are fourth lowest in the entire league. Myrto Uzuni leads Austin with six goals and Owen Wolff is right behind with five, and Wolff shares the assist lead with Osman Bukari with 7.

NASHVILLE SC
Major League Soccer | Nashville, TN
5th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2018
Manager: BJ Callaghan
Overall: 11-2-2 (0-2 PK) | 7-1-1 (0-1 PK) (as MLS)
Away: 1-2-1 (0-1) | 1-1-1 (0-1) (as MLS)
vs. MLS: 5-1-0 (0-1 PK) | 4-1-1 (0-1 PK) (as MLS)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2018, USL) | Quarterfinals (2022, MLS)

In their first year as a USL club in 2018, Nashville knocked off the Colorado Rapids on their way to the Fifth Round. Once joining MLS they reached the Quarterfinals in 2022 and made another three-game run in 2023 while starting a round earlier. Last year, Nashville SC did not enter the competition.

The first notable club from the city of Nashville to participate in the Open Cup was the Nashville Blues in the late 1980s, though they didn’t have much success. In the Modern Era, the A-League’s Nashville Metros reached the Quarterfinals in 1997, upsetting the Kansas City Wizards (Sporting KC) 3-1 in the Third Round.

AUSTIN FC
Major League Soccer | Austin, TX
3rd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2021
Manager: Nico Estévez
Overall: 4-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 3-1-0 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 4-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2023)

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP — Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Next to St. Louis CITY SC, Austin FC has the least experience in the Open Cup among MLS clubs prior to the 2025 tournament, with just four games played.

The City of Austin also has a limited history in the Open Cup. The highest profile team in the pre-Modern Era is perhaps the Austin Soccadillos, who entered the 1991 tournament, winning their group in USISL qualifying only to fall 3-0 to the other group winner in the USISL qualifying final, the Richardson Rockets, who would go on to reach the 1991 US Open Cup Final. In the Modern Era, six other teams represented Austin in the Open Cup. First up was the Austin Lone Stars of the USL D-3 Pro League, appearing in three tournaments from 1997-1999, only posting a 2-3 record.

Amateur club Real Madrid won the USASA Region III qualifying tournament in 2002 but lost their lone Cup game.

In 2008, the Austin Aztex U-23s qualified through the PDL (now USL League Two), being eliminated on penalty kicks by the Atlanta Silverbacks after a 2-2 draw. The Aztex U-23s were the development team of the USL’s Austin Aztex, who would move in 2010 and become Orlando City SC.

The new Austin Aztex qualified as a PDL cub in 2013 and 2014 without much success, then again in 2015 when the club turned pro and moved up to the USL, reaching the Third Round where they lost 2-0 to the Houston Dynamo.

In 2019, the USL Championship’s Austin Bold matched the Aztex 2015 run, reaching the Third Round before also falling to the Houston Dynamo, this time 3-2.

Finally the only other team currently calling Austin its home is Austin FC II, who appeared in 2024 and were upset by amateur side FORO SC on penalties.

2025 US Open Cup Semifinals: Sam Surridge of Nashville SC voted TheCup.us Player of Round

September 26, 2025 by Nick Rampe

Graphic: Frank Lanham | Photo: Nashville SC

Sam Surridge’s hat trick was more than enough for Nashville SC to defeat the Philadelphia Union in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals, bring Nashville to their first US Open Cup Final and to earn himself TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Surridge ran away with the award over a pair of Austin FC players who were key to Los Verdes beating the Philadelphia Union 2-1 in extra time. Austin FC’s CJ Fodrey, who scored the game-winning goal in the 120th minute finished second, followed by Owen Wolff who assisted on Austin’s opening goal and played an all-around strong game.

Surridge is just the fourth England native to win the award.

Surridge opened the scoring for the match in the 36th minute. A throw-in was headed across the face of the goal by Nashville’s Jeisson Palacios, and Surridge completed the sequence by heading it into the net and scoring the only goal of the first half.

Surridge also scored the first goal of the second half, wasting little time and putting Nashville up 2-0 in the 50th minute. This shot was also a header; Surridge positioned himself in front of the net and was leapt up to rebound a saved shot and putting it in the top left corner over the outstretched arms of Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick.

Despite Surridge’s dominance, it felt like momentum had shifted after what would have been Nashville’s third goal was called back due to an offsides penalty, shortly followed by the Union’s Quinn Sullivan’s goal in the 70th minute, bringing the score to 2-1.

However, Surridge’s final goal solidified the victory for Nashville. He tracked a pass over his shoulder from Daniel Lovitz, leapt through the air and tapped the ball into the top left corner with his right foot.

With that third goal, he became just the second player in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present) to score a hat trick in the Semifinals. Surridge joins Diego Rossi and his TheCup.us Player of the Round performance with Los Angeles FC in 2018.

“However we would have got it done tonight, we would have been happy,” Surridge said. “I think that third goal was probably important. We’ve probably struggled to close out games, and I think that third goal cemented it.”

Surridge is currently the tournament leader in goals scored with five, and he will have the chance to extend that lead in the final match. He is one goal shy of the Modern Era record for most goals in a tournament with six which has been accomplished by 10 players (most recently by Darwin Quintero of the Minnesota United in 2019).

“We want to lift up a major trophy, and the US Open Cup is one of them,” said Surridge. “I think it’s special to win any trophy when you’ve got the teammates around you, hopefully we just get the job done.”

2025 US Open Cup Semifinals: Sam Surridge’s hat trick leads Nashville SC to first USOC Final

September 17, 2025 by Nick Rampe

Nashville SC advanced to their first appearance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final on the back of a three-goal performance from Sam Surridge in their 3-1 Semifinal victory over the Philadelphia Union. Nashville is the first Tennessee-based team in the tournament’s 110-year history to reach the Final. Surridge now leads all players in the tournament with five goals.

“Tonight, we brought the intensity,” Surridge said. “It was probably too much for them in the end, and yeah, I think that’s our benchmark for the rest of the season.”

The match was a slow-paced defensive battle in the first half, featuring various offensive miscues from Nashville and a nearly silent showing from Philadelphia’s offense.

Nashville squandered opportunities in the first, 10th and 12th minutes, primarily due to mishandled passes on the interior of Philadelphia’s defense.

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Philadelphia on the other hand was completely shut out, not just on the scoreboard but in the box score. They were unable to muster even a single shot attempt in the first half.

“In the first half, our compactness was really, really good,” said head coach BJ Callaghan. “I thought the ability to win second balls and back press with Eddie and Patrick and the two forwards, it was hard for them to get a lot of the combinations they were going for.”

Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios played a huge role on the home team’s defense in the first half. His first notable play came in the 15th minute when he was able to hinder one of Philadelphia’s few promising attacks.

“A huge performance,” Callaghan said about Palacios’ match. “At the same time, this is the kind of performances that we expect out of him now. It’s just a great job.”

Despite not getting a single shot off in the first half, Philadelphia finished the game with nine total shots, five of which were on target. They also commanded possession, controlling the ball for 72% of the second half. Still, they were unable to score again.

Surridge finished his spectacular night soaring through the air and tapping in a long pass from Daniel Lovitz, capping off the hat trick in the 84th minute.With that third goal, he became just the second player in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present) to score a hat trick in the Semifinals. Surridge joins Diego Rossi and his TheCup.us Player of the Round performance with Los Angeles FC in 2018.

Philadelphia unsuccessfully attempted to score as the home crowd rose to its feet in the final minutes and ultimately celebrated Nashville’s 3-1 victory.

“We want to lift up a major trophy, and the US Open Cup is one of them,” said Surridge. “I think it’s special to win any trophy when you’ve got the teammates around you, hopefully we just get the job done.”

Nashville is headed to their first US Open Cup Final. They won’t know whether their opponent will be Minnesota or Austin until they finish their match on Wednesday night. The winner of that match will host the Final on Oct. 1.

2025 US Open Cup Semifinals Preview: Winner of Austin FC vs. Minnesota United will host Nashville SC

September 16, 2025 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

With the elimination of D.C. United and the Chicago Fire in the Quarterfinals, we’re guaranteed to have a first-time US Open Cup Champion in 2025. Minnesota United and Philadelphia Union have reached the Final before, only to fail to lift the trophy. For Austin FC and Nashville SC, this is the furthest they’ve gone in their short Open Cup history.

Nashville SC will host the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday, followed by the Minnesota United FC welcoming Austin FC to the Twin Cities on Wednesday.

UPDATE: Sam Surridge’s hat trick leads Nashville SC to first US Open Cup Final

TheCup.us will have live updates of both games as both games will be streamed live on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports Network. You can find those updates on X (Twitter) and Blue Sky.

The winners of these two Semifinal games will square off in the 110th US Open Cup Final, scheduled for Oct. 1. The game will be hosted by the winner of Austin FC and Minnesota United.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Austin FC (MLS) at Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Allianz Field – St. Paul, MN
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: Paramount+ / CBS Sports Network

It’s been seven years since Minnesota found themselves this far in the Open Cup. Just like in 2019, Minnesota has gotten past two fellow MLS teams to reach this point. For Austin this is brand new territory, having been bounced early in their previous two appearances in 2022 and 2023. They’ll have to manage without top scorer Brandon Vazquez, who tore the ACL in his right knee in the Quarterfinals. Vazquez is also the top scorer in the 2025 US Open Cup with four goals.

Brandon Vazquez of Austin FC celebrates after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo

As an MLS club, Minnesota United are 5-0-1 in the Open Cup at home against other MLS teams. The lone draw also led to advancement, winning a PK tiebreaker against Philadelphia Union after a 3-3 draw in the 2023 Fourth Round.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Like Philadelphia and Nashville, Austin FC and Minnesota United have never met in the Open Cup. Their two MLS meetings both took place back in May.

The first meeting at Austin’s Q2 Stadium was won handily by Minnesota 3-0. The Loons opening goal was officially recorded as an own goal from Austin’s Ilie Sánchez, who slightly nicked a deflected a shot from Joaquín Pereyra that rolled through the legs of Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver in the 22nd minute. Thirteen minutes later, Minnesota would double the lead when Anthony Markanich headed home a cross from Jefferson Díaz. Austin looked to have made the score 2-1 in the 77th minute, but Guilherme Biro’s strike was nullified by an offside ruling. Austin were denied again in the 85th minute when Julian Gressel cleared Brandon Vázquez’s shot off the goal line while goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was out of position. Minnesota closed the door in stoppage time when Joaquín Pereyra scored on a shot from outside the penalty area.

Just 21 days later the clubs met at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minn., playing to a 1-1 draw. Michael Boxall opened the scoring for Minnesota when Nicolás Romero redirected a Joaquín Pereyra corner kick to Boxall. Austin responded soon after Osman Bukari and Myrto Uzuni strung passes together to feed Žan Kolmanič, who hammered home his shot from the top of the box.

ROAD TO THE SEMIFINALS

Sang Bin Jeong of Minnesota United avoids a tackle in a Quarterfinal match against the Chicago Fire FC in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen - Northland Soccer Journal — Sang Bin Jeong of Minnesota United avoids a tackle in a Quarterfinal match against the Chicago Fire FC in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen – Northland Soccer Journal

Austin’s match at San Jose came with good news and terrible news. The good, Austin advanced on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The terrible news was that leading goalscorer Brandon Vázquez tore the ACL in his right knee in the 70th minute, putting him out for the remainder of the season. It was Vázquez’s penalty shortly before his injury that tied the game at 1-1 and Myrto Uzuni converted another PK with five minutes left in extra time to make it 2-2. In the penalty tiebreakers, Austin made all four of their shots while Brad Stuver stopped two for San Jose’s to move Austin to the semifinals for the first time ever.

Despite being outshot 15-6, Minnesota United went to Kentucky and escaped with a 1-0 win over Louisville City FC (USL-C). Darius Randell scored the lone goal in the 65th minute. Minnesota traveled to St. Louis for the Fifth Round to face St. Louis CITY SC after jumping out to a 1-0 lead after ten minutes through Kelvin Yeboah, Minnesota fell behind 2-1 by the 65th minute. Along came Anthony Markanich to the rescue, scoring in the 85th and 88th minutes to give the Loons a 3-2 comeback victory.

Austin FC players celebrate after defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 in penalty kicks in the 2025 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Dario Cruz | FUTWRK

In Minnesota’s 3-1 extra time win over the Chicago Fire, it was Kelvin Yeboah turn to score two late goals. Robin Lod tied the game at 1-1 in the 47th minute, and in extra tine Yeboah scored in the 95th minute then again from the PK spot in the 120th, earning him TheCup.us “Player of the Round” honors.

CURRENT FORM

Minnesota has spread their six defeats through the season, never losing two in a row and always posting a run of a win or draw two games or more between defeats. The Loons started the season hot, going 4-2-4 in their first two months, and are currently on a four game unbeaten run including a 3-1 win this past Saturday over conference leaders San Diego.

Minnesota scored at least one goal in 13 of their last 14 games. Tani Oluwaseyi leads the team with 10 goals, one ahead of Kelvin Yeboah. Six other players have two or more goals. Joaquin Pereyra leads with 10 assists, and Oluwaseyi has 8.

Supporters celebrate after Minnesota United defeated St. Louis CITY 3-2 in the Round of 16 of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Steffenhagen Photography - Northland Soccer Journal — Supporters celebrate after Minnesota United defeated St. Louis CITY 3-2 in the Round of 16 of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Steffenhagen Photography – Northland Soccer Journal

Out of the four Semifinal clubs, Austin FC is the only one fighting for a spot in the MLS Cup, as the other three have their spot secured. Austin are currently in 7th, just two points clear of the two play-in spots, but they have a seven-point cushion over 10th place Real Salt Lake. Austin are 4-2-4 over their last ten games.

Austin has the lowest goals scored total among playoff teams, and are fifth-lowest in the entire league. Myrto Uzuni and Owen Wolff share the goalscoring lead with five goals apiece, and Wolff shares the assist lead with Osman Bukari with 7.

Austin FC
Major League Soccer | Austin, TX
3rd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2021
Manager: Nico Estévez
Overall: 3-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 0-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2023)

Next to St. Louis CITY SC, Austin FC has the least experience in the Open Cup among MLS clubs, with just four games played. The City of Austin also has a limited history in the Open Cup. The highest profile team in the pre-Modern Era is perhaps the Austin Soccadillos, who entered the 1991 tournament, winning their group in USISL qualifying only to fall 3-0 to the other group winner in the USISL qualifying final, the Richardson Rockets, who would go on to reach the 1991 US Open Cup Final. In the Modern Era, six other teams represented Austin in the Open Cup. First up was the Austin Lone Stars of the USL D3 Pro League, appearing in three tournaments from 1997-1999, only posting a 2-3 record.

Amateur club Real Madrid won the USASA Region III qualifying tournament in 2002 but lost their lone Cup game.

In 2008, the Austin Aztex U-23s qualified through the PDL (now USL League Two), being eliminated on penalty kicks by the Atlanta Silverbacks after a 2-2 draw. The Aztex U-23s were the development team of the USL’s Austin Aztex, who would move in 2010 and become Orlando City SC.

The new Austin Aztex qualified as a PDL cub in 2013 and 2014 without much success, then again in 2015 when the club turned pro and moved up to the USL, reaching the Third Round where they lost 2-0 to the Houston Dynamo.

In 2019, the USL Championship’s Austin Bold matched the Aztex 2015 run, reaching the Third Round before also falling to the Houston Dynamo, this time 3-2.

Finally the only other team currently calling Austin its home is Austin FC II, who appeared in 2024 and were upset by amateur side FORO SC on penalties.

Minnesota United FC
Major League Soccer | Saint Paul, MN
13th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2010
Manager: Eric Ramsay
Overall: 15-10-3 (2-1 PK) | 9-5-2 (2-0 PK) (MLS)
Home: 7-4-1 (1-0 PK) | 6-1-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
vs. MLS: 7-8-1 (1-0 PK) | 6-5-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
Best finish: Final (2019)

Since Minnesota joined MLS in 2017 they’ve had respectable results, reaching the Final in 2019 and going three games deep in 2022 and 2023. In MLS, the Loons have yet to win a championship but have reached the playoffs five of the last six seasons.

The Twin Cities were represented by the Minnesota Thunder earlier in the Modern Era, reaching the Semifinals in 2005. Thunder legend Johnny Menyongar is tied for second with three other players with 13 Open Cup goals in the Modern Era.

According to TheCup.us records, the first known team from Minnesota to enter the Open Cup was the Minneapolis Tigers in 1958.

Throughout the 1960s, teams like the St. Paul Blackhawks and Ukrainian SC would represent the region in Open Cup play but found little success.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Philadelphia Union (MLS) at Nashville SC (MLS)
GEODIS Park – Nashville, TN
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
TV: Paramount+ / CBS Sports Network
UPDATE: Sam Surridge’s hat trick leads Nashville SC to first US Open Cup Final

Could this be the year Philadelphia puts it together for a double? The three previous times they’ve reached the Open Cup Final (2014, 2015, 2018) they either missed the MLS Cup playoffs or were bounced early. Similarly, the three times Union finished first or second in the MLS standings (2020, 2021, 2022) the Open Cup either wasn’t played, or they were eliminated early. This year the Union find themselves on top of the MLS Eastern Conference and two wins away from winning the Open Cup for the first time.

Philadelphia Union players celebrate after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls in the 2025 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Lynelle Leinbach (@star_basker) for TheCup.us

Since their last visit to the Open Cup, Philadelphia’s three appearances up until this year (2019, 2022 and 2023) all ended after one game, all at the hands of MLS teams.

Like Austin FC, Nashville are making their first appearance in the Semifinals. Their previous best was reaching the Quarterfinals in 2022 where they fell to Orlando City on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Nashville is undefeated at home in Open Cup play, going 8-0-1 as a USL and MLS club, and are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak in home Open Cup games.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Philadelphia and Nashville have never met in Open Cup play. In their two meetings this year in MLS, Nashville has won both.

Just four weeks into the season on March 16 in Chester, Pa., Nashville handed the Union their first setback with a 3-1 win. Sam Surridge scored his first goal of the season in the 15th minute to give Nashville 1-0 lead, but Jovan Lukić answered for Philadelphia 17 minutes later. Just one minute before the halftime whistle Ahmed Qasem put Nashville back in front for good.

In the 82nd minute, Hany Mukhtar extended the lead to 3-1 with a successful penalty conversion. Philly’s Olwethu Makhanya was sent off in second half stoppage time for hitting Nashville’s Jacob Shaffelburg with a thrown ball while out of bounds. Surridge was denied a possible hat trick in the opening half when a goal was called back due to a foul in the 16th minute and then hitting the upright in the 26th minute.

The second meeting came on July 5 in Nashville, and the hosts came out 1-0 winners, it marked the only time Philadelphia has lost back-to-back league games this year, following a 1-0 loss to Columbus. Goalkeeper Andre Blake and the upright kept Nashville off the board in the 15th minute. Hany Muhktar’s shot was stopped by Blake, then Mukhtar sent the rebound off the upright being a prone Blake. Nashville went a man down in the 63rd minute when Jonathan Pérez caught Philly’s Tai Baribo with a high boot to the face while going after the ball. Kai Wagner nearly gave Union a 1-0 lead when his 88th minute free kick hit the post. Nashville finally won it in stoppage time when Mukhtar was awarded a penalty through VAR after being fouled by Olwethu Makhanya. Mukhtar stepped to the spot himself and won the game for Nashville. The win was the last positive result in Nashville’s 12-game unbeaten streak, they would lose 2-1 to Inter Miami the following week.

ROAD TO THE SEMIFINALS

Both teams entered the competition in the Fourth Round and Philly’s opening game saw them taken to the limit by Indy Eleven of the USL Championship, surviving a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the 6th minute through Alejandro Bedoya, Indy tied the score right after halftime. Despite 33 shots, Philadelphia could not score the winner after 120 minutes. The Union converted all five spot kicks to win the shootout 5-4.

In the Round of 16, Philly knocked off the lone USL Championship club remaining, defeating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 4-1, scoring two goals in each half to win the Keystone State derby.

Thanks to weather delays, the Union’s Quarterfinal match with the New York Red Bulls took over five weeks to complete. Heavy rain and lightning prevented the original kickoff on July 9, and on Aug. 13 lightning once again intervened, causing a two-hour delay. Philly and NYRB traded goals in the opening half and again the second. As extra time loomed, Olwethu Makhanya scored off a rebound in the 89th minute to end Union’s long-delayed return to the Semifinals.

In the Fourth Round, despite outshooting their opponents 14-3, Nashville only managed a 1-0 win over the Chattanooga Red Wolves from USL League One. Josh Bauer scored the lone goal in the 18th minute.

Jonathan Perez of Nashville SC celebrates after scoring a goal against D.C. United in the Quarterfinals of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Nashville SC

Their Round of 16 game at Orlando City was much closer. After drawing level after an Orlando City own goal, Ahmed Qasem gave Nashville a 2-1 lead minutes before halftime. Orlando pulled level 15 minutes into the second half, but with eleven minutes remaining, Wyatt Meyer scored the goal that eventually put Nashville in the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2022.

Nashville’s Quarterfinal affair at home versus D.C. United got off to a rocky start, with the home side trailing 2-0 after 24 minutes. From then on it was all Nashville who scored five unanswered goals, four in the second half, to prevail 5-2 and book their first ever Semifinal appearance. Team goalscoring leader Sam Surridge scored twice, and Jonathan Perez, Andy Najar and Walker Zimmerman provided the rest.

CURRENT FORM

Philadelphia Union players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph - Philadelphia Soccer Now — Philadelphia Union players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph – Philadelphia Soccer Now

Nashville used a 12-game unbeaten run to vault up the MLS Eastern Conference table and are currently seven points behind leaders Philadelphia, and are fighting to stay in the top 4, which would give them home field advantage in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Nashville has hit a rough patch in league play, losing five of their last six games, including a loss to FC Cincinnati this past Saturday when Cincinnati scored the game-winner deep into stoppage time.

Nashville’s attack is led by Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar. Surridge leads MLS with 21 goals scored, and Mukhtar has 14. Mukhtar also leads the team with assists at 11, with Andy Najar behind him with 10.

Philadelphia became one of the first clubs in MLS to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs and now have their sights on the Supporters Shield. Like Nashville, Philadelphia had a lengthy unbeaten run during the season, playing 11 games (April 19-June 25) without a loss. The run ended with their only back-to-back losses of the year and has been followed by an ongoing 5-1-2 run. Union are coming off an embarrassing 7-0 loss at Vancouver this past Saturday with Thomas Muller leading the way with a hat trick. The seven goals were more than Philly had allowed in their last 14 games combined.

Gaston Brugman of Nashville SC dribbles against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Nashville SC

Israeli international Tai Baribo leads the team with 16 goals, also good enough for 4th in MLS. Kai Wagner and Quinn Sullivan are the assist leaders, with 10 and 9 respectively. Goalkeepers Andre Blake and Andrew Rick have six clean sheets each.

Nashville SC
Major League Soccer | Nashville, TN
5th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2018
Manager: B.J. Callaghan
Overall: 10-2-2 (0-2 PK) | 6-1-1 (0-1 PK) (as MLS)
Home: 9-0-1 (0-1) | 5-0-0 (as MLS)
vs. MLS: 4-1-0 (0-1 PK) | 3-1-1 (0-1 PK) (as MLS)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2018, USL) | Quarterfinals (2022, MLS)

Philadelphia Union
Major League Soccer | Chester, PA
11th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2010
Manager: Bradley Carnell
Overall: 18-6-8 (4-4 PK)
Away: 1-4-5 (3-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 9-6-6 (2-4 PK)
Best finish: Final (2014, 2015, 2018)

Philadelphia has one of the better Open Cup resumes without winning a title among MLS clubs, though recent tournaments have put a blemish on that. They’ve been to three Open Cup Finals (2014, 2015, 2018), but their last three appearances in the competition have been “one and done” appearances against D.C. United in 2019, Orlando City in 2022 and Minnesota United in 2023.

Prior to the Modern Era, clubs from Philadelphia have made nine appearances in the Open Cup Final, winning the Open Cup five times. Leading the way are the Ukrainian Nationals, who won the tournament four times (1960, 1962, 1963 and 1966).

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Confidence in young players pays off as Nashville SC overcomes Orlando City

May 22, 2025 by Christian Gomez

Wyatt Meyer (28) of Nashville SC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a 79th minute goal against Orlando City SC in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Nashville SC

Wyatt Meyer’s late goal capped a back-and-forth match as Nashville SC defeated Orlando City 3-2 on a sweltering Wednesday night at Inter&Co Stadium to advance to the Quarterfinals of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

With both sides level on points in the MLS Eastern Conference entering the match, Nashville opted to rotate its squad heavily, leaving Hany Mukhtar and Josh Bauer out while starting several younger players. That gamble paid off as the visitors outlasted an Orlando team coming off a rivalry win just days earlier against Inter Miami.

“We build confidence in the group by doing what we say. We say we have confidence in young players, we say that we’re gonna play young players.” said Nashville head coach BJ Callaghan. “They couldn’t have stepped on a bigger field tonight against a really good team, and they performed.”

Right from the kick off, both teams had a chance to get on the board early with a barrage of attacking phases. Nashville showed signs of carelessness while in possession, which if timed perfectly, could give Orlando a chance to break the deadlock.

The first real dangerous chance of the night came from Nashville’s Chris Applewhite. His header attempt from the a corner kick rang off the top right corner of the net.

Orlando saw this as a warning shot and took the initiative. On the next possession, a switch initiated by Dagur Thorhallsson found its way to Alexander Freeman. The right-back rushed down the wing and passed it over to Marco Pasalic. Pasalic laced it from outside the 18-yard box and score a goal of the week worthy contender.

Nashville needed to find a response quick, as Orlando showed in its previous Open Cup match against the Rowdies that it can suffocate its foes quickly. Within the final third, Ahmed Qasem made a lovely run inside the box, using some skill to get away from Orlando’s defenders. He teed it up for MLS & Open Cup stalwart, Teal Bunbury, who was within the six-yard box and tipped the ball into the net to open Nashville’s account.

The hydration break tempered the pace of the match, as both teams attempted to pace themselves after an intense first 30 minutes. Nashville was on a seemingly innocuous passage of play when Matthew Corcoran passed it over to Qasem, who was just outside the 18. Qasem proceeded to test his luck by sending a grounded shot towards the net. It caught Orlando’s keeper, Pedro Gallese, off guard as the ball curved into the net and gave Nashville the 2-1 lead going into halftime.

The second half started with only one change, as Bauer entered the game for Nashville. Now shooting towards The Ruckus & Iron Lion Firm, Orlando looked to equalize with their supporters backing them. On an attacking phase, Nashville’s defense over marked Orlando’s Ramiro Enrique. The ball was able to find its way to the wing, where Pasalic made a run. Enrique slotted it into a open pocket of space left by Nashville’s backline, opening a clear passing lane. Pasalic recognized the run and layed it off to Enrique, who blasted it into the net, leveling things up at 2-2 before the 60th minute.

With 30 minutes to go, both teams needed to rely on the strength of their roster to see the game through. Orlando saw the introduction of Ivan Angulo & Luis Muriel, as they looked to continue the momentum on attack while Jacob Shaffelburg came in to help support Nashville’s attack. Physicality picked up as both teams received a yellow card, Matthew Corcoran for Nashville & Alex Freeman for Orlando. An errand ball to the lower extremities of Applewhite brought about the final hydration break.

After the hydration break, 15 minutes remained and it was all to play for. Both teams did not want to enter extra time with the current situation of match congestion. Nashville started off with possession and kept it for the first few minutes as they tried to get back into a flow. Eventually, they started pushing into the final third and create opportunities.

Qasem found himself again on the ball on the right wing and did a great job battling Ivan Angulo as he was able to tip the ball over to Patrick Yazbek. In what was the move of the night, Yazbek made a backheel pass to Meyer, who was just outside the box as he struck it perfectly into the back of the net for his first career goal to give his team a 3-2 lead.

Meyer revealed after the win that he was not feeling well, which must have been torture in the humidity of Florida.

“I’m gonna be completely honest, I was suffering out there,” he said. “I kind of came into the game under the weather, but all the boys on the team were so encouraging and told me ‘Wyatt, you’re gonna have to dig deep and it’s a little hot but just get through it and grind for these guys.”

After that goal, Orlando went full attack for the remainder of the game. Duncan McGuire made his introduction to the game as an attacking minded sub, but unfortunately the decision to send out a relatively same squad for the weekend was starting to affect them. Multiple players seemed fatigued as attacking sequences fell flat.

Ultimately, Meyer’s shot was the final blow which advanced Nashville into the quarterfinals of this year’s Open Cup. The trust in the kids paid off for Nashville.

“When you get your number called, and you’re able to get on the field, show what you’re capable of and the players represented themselves well,” said assistant coach Michael Nsien.

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Nashville SC’s early goal holds up vs. 10-man Chattanooga Red Wolves

May 7, 2025 by Timothy Belin

In their first US Open Cup appearance since 2023, MLS’ Nashville SC needed just one goal to overcome their USL League One visitors, the Chattanooga Red Wolves.

The hosts went ahead early, but though they threatened to increase their lead several times, the second goal never came. One proved enough as a disciplined performance limited Chattanooga’s offensive threats to maintain the clean sheet.

“I thought overall you saw good individual performances by a lot of players that linked in to what I thought was a really good team performance,” B.J. Callaghan, Nashville head coach, said. “The cup knockout games, you’ve got to give credit to Chattanooga, the way they were set up, the way they came into the game was really good.

“It made it really difficult for us to play and get some rhythm,” he added. “But I thought what we saw tonight is that the depth of our team and the versatility of our team was a nice positive.”

The away side was one of five teams remaining in the cup’s fourth round who had started in the first, but traveling to their in-state rivals for the first time in club history proved a step too far.

The Red Wolves set the unlikely record of getting past all three of their previous rounds on penalties and barely troubled Nashville’s goalkeeper at GEODIS Park. By the time they went a man down in the 81st minute, it was clear there would be no fourth shootout to add to the list.

Nashville started the game on the front foot and got the first big chance of the night just seven minutes into the encounter. Though Teal Bunbury’s header crashed against the bar, the Boys in Gold didn’t have to wait much longer for the opener.

In the 18th minute, Nashville’s Jonathan Pérez raced into the box from the right flank. It initially looked like the chance had died when the winger slipped while cutting onto his left, but the ball still made its way to the edge of the box to an onrushing Josh Bauer.

The right-back slammed it first-time, sending a rocket across goal and into the far post’s side netting to open the score.

“I tried cutting in and shooting, but I slipped,” Pérez said. “Thankfully the ball landed perfectly for Josh. It was such an amazing shot from Josh. It was just the perfect shot.”

Bauer nearly turned provider eight minutes later as a lofted through ball connected with Bunbury inside the box. The forward’s touch was just too heavy and allowed Red Wolves goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez to claim the loose ball.

The tide of the game briefly turned around the hour mark, shortly after Nashville were forced into an early substitution.

Taylor Washington went down near the half-way line off an innocuous coming together. The left-back suffered an apparent injury to his knee after his teammate Wyatt Meyer committed a foul on a Red Wolves player, who fell awkwardly against Washington. After a few minutes of on-field treatment, Jack Maher replaced the Nashville left-back.

Callaghan said in his post-game press conference that he did not yet have any information on the injury. He said they would need a full medical on the player to understand what happened.

The situation nearly went from bad to worse for Nashville after the enforced change as the ensuing free-kick led to a second one closer to goal, which saw the Red Wolves put the ball in the back of the net. However, the referee called the play back and the score remained 1-0.

Chattanooga’s Joshua Ramos had whipped the ball into the top left corner from down near the right-side corner flag, but unfortunately for him his teammate Matthew Bentley was adjudged to be interfering with the goalkeeper from an offside position.

Buoyed by the near-goal, the Red Wolves enjoyed their best period of the game but still could not find a way past a stout Nashville defense.

The home team nearly took advantage in the 43rd minute, springing a fast break on their guests. Ahmed Quasem carried the ball through the middle before releasing Gastón Brugman down the right, but the midfielder’s cross back to his teammate was well-interecepted by Chattanooga’s Eric Kinzner.

It was the last big play of the half, which ended with Nashville leading 1-0.

Quasem, who led that final counter-attack, brought that same energy to the second half. Switched to the right flank after starting on the left, the Swedish winger caused the Red Wolves all sorts of problems soon after the restart.

In the 50th minute, Quasem dribbled his way into the box before cutting back to Brugman, but a Chattanooga player got in the way to block the shot. Not even a minute later, Quasem was at it again. This time he cut inside before sending an inviting cross to the back post, but Bunbury was just too short for it and Jerez claimed.

Chattanooga showed higher energy in their pressing as the half wore on and they grew more desperate to get back into the game, but it wasn’t until the 64th minute that the visitors got their first shot of the night. Alhassan Alhassan, subbed on six minutes earlier, cut inside and let one rip from distance. The shot was too central though, and Brian Schwake had no issues gathering it in the Nashville goal.

Nashville responded with two chances of their own, with Quasem once again the orchestrator for the first.

The winger shimmied his way into the box in the 69th minute before attempting a cut back. It was deflected, but the bouncing ball fell to an overlapping Bauer, whose improvised shot went just over the bar to deny him a brace.

A minute later, Nashville had a golden chance down the opposite flank as Pérez sent in a low cross to the back post, only for Brugman to arrive a few seconds late to miss a tap-in.

“I think we were able to get ourselves into good final pass opportunities, like spaces in the penalty box, but I don’t think we executed that well,” Callaghan said. “I was happy where we got the final pass to, and then we just need to execute it and have a little bit clearer final actions.”

Chattanooga’s best chance of the game came in the 77th minute as Alhassan surged down the right, cut onto his left and fired at the near post. Schwake made a good diving save to maintain his clean sheet, and things got bleak for the visitors soon after.

Alhassan had been the Red Wolves’ most lively player since coming on in the 58th, but a late tackle in the 81st led to his second yellow card of the evening. With the substitute given his marching orders, the visiting team were left with 10 minutes to overcome a one-goal deficit against their MLS hosts while playing a man down.

With the advantage, Nashville saw out the game with little fuss to extend their impressive home record in the competition. The MLS side have yet to lose a home Open Cup game in normal or extra-time. They lost their first-ever home Open Cup encounter on penalties, but have won all nine such games since.

“I didn’t know that,” Callaghan said with a laugh when the stat was put to him post-game. “But listen, I’ve said this from the beginning, weeks ago, we take the US Open Cup seriously. It’s an opportunity for this club to earn a trophy and also is a pathway for us to go compete against the elite of North America. And that’s what we want to do, that’s our long-term vision.

“It shows I think the professionalism and the performances and the approach that, one, as a club, we take, and, two, the guys on the team, how serious they take this,” he added.

Nashville now boast a 9-2-2 all-time Open Cup record, and are 8-0-1 at home. They will play on the road next, facing either the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C) or Orlando City SC (MLS).

The Red Wolves can still be pleased with their Open Cup run, which has seen them make the deepest run in club history. Their previous best came with a third round exit last season. They are now 2-4-3 in Open Cup play.

2023 US Open Cup Round of 16: Stefanelli’s winner sends Inter Miami past Nashville SC, into Quarterfinals

May 24, 2023 by Christian Gomez

Franco Negri of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal against Nashville SC in the Fifth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Inter Miami CF

After getting through a lightning delay, Inter Miami CF came back with a pair of second half goals to defeat fellow MLS side Nashville SC. Nicolas Stefanelli scored what would prove to be the game-winner in the 73rd minute to send Miami into the Quarterfinals for the first time in the club’s short history.

With the win, Inter Miami will travel for their next match. They will play at the winner of Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship) and Charlotte FC (MLS).

Taylor ➡️ Negri to put us in the lead ???? #MIAvNSH | 1-0 pic.twitter.com/y1eEptxIf2
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 24, 2023

The weather couldn’t have fit the occasion any better. A rainy night at DRV PNK Stadium was the perfect backdrop for a match which has been marred by controversy before the game. Embattled Inter Miami manager Phil Neville had more than a cup tie in mind, as supporters have voiced their displeasure with the season so far after a bitter defeat against in-state rival Orlando City on Saturday. Nashville looked to continue their eight-game unbeaten streak on the road.

Inter Miami fielded an “A” squad with most regular starters on the pitch. Ian Fray makes his first start since his unfortunate injury during last year’s preseason. Nashville started what would be considered a “B” squad. U.S. international center back Walker Zimmerman didn’t make the trip while star player Hany Mukthar was on the bench.

An instant game changer ????

Stefanelli comes on and puts us back in the lead.#MIAvNSH | 2-1 pic.twitter.com/yk9rQPB6TO
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 24, 2023

The first half saw both teams have fair chances to take the lead. Nashville had multiple counter-attacking chances but couldn’t capitalize. Taylor Washington received the first yellow card of the night in the twenty-ninth minute. They also had a goal called offside in the thirty fourth minute, which was to the relief of Inter Miami who looked disjointed until the end of the half. The front pairing of Josef Martinez and Leonardo Campana kept working on their chemistry as they created a few one-two chances. The lack of a “#10” is quite evident as there is a disconnect between the midfield and the forwards.

The second half started with two yellow cards for Nashville; Jack Maher and Jan Gregus. Then, what seemed out of nowhere, Inter Miami had a counter attack opportunity which saw Robert Taylor assist Franco Negri to open the scoring in the 57th minute. Taylor sent a well-timed through ball into the penalty area on the left side where Negri beat the onrushing goalkeeper to the ball and chipped it over him and into the back of the net.

Up to this point, the metrics favored Nashville and they were thunderstruck. In response, they brought on their usual starters from the bench which included Hany Mukhtar and Alex Muyl.

Not even a minute in, and Muyl was able to equalize for Nashville. Laurence Wyke delivered a cross from the right wing and Alex Muyl scored on a diving header less than a minute after entering the game.

Nashville were able to pick up momentum and started to pressure Inter Miami. The siege was stopped by a lightning strike within three miles of the stadium, which caused a 33 minute delay.

Once play restarted, any sense of urgency from Nashville was gone and Inter Miami were able to catch them off guard again with another goal.

It took Alex Muyl about 50 seconds to score after subbing on ????

Instant. Impact. @opencup | #EveryoneN pic.twitter.com/61clkouzVI
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) May 24, 2023

Nicolas Stefanelli was subbed on after the break and was able to capitalize on another counter attacking chance for Inter Miami. A ball was volleyed over the top from midfield by Corentin Jean. Stefanelli ran onto it and dribbled to the right side of the penalty area. Once he hit the edge of the box he fired a shot that beat the goalkeeper to the near post.

From here on, Inter Miami parked the bus and Nashville had multiple close calls to equalize.

In the end however, Inter Miami weathered the storm and eliminated Nashville SC from this year’s edition of the Open Cup. They now await to see if they have to face Birmingham Legion or Charlotte FC in the Quarterfinals. The roller coaster season continues for Phil Neville.

At the post-game press conference, it seemed like a huge weight was lifted off of everyone’s shoulders. The now viral video of Phil Neville sparring with a reporter was joked about and it seems that bridges have been mended. In regards to the fans not turning up, “I honestly love our fans. I understand their frustration.” He added on that he wants to perform and bring results for them.

It is worth keeping in mind that Inter Miami are still dealing with the roster sanctions brought upon them and injuries to key midfielders Gregore and Jean Mota. Additionally, the club are in a holding pattern with future acquisitions until a certain someone of Argentine descent decides on what they’re going to do next. For the moment however, Inter’s cup run stays alive and Neville has a lifeline as long as it keeps going.