Nashville SC defeat Austin FC 2 – 1 in last of the united state Open Mug on Wednesday evening at Q 2 Arena to win the group’s initial major trophy.
The two current MLS growth sides– Nashville began play in 2020 and Austin in 2021– weren’t separated by much throughout the 90 mins plus extra time, with Sam Surridge ‘s second-half penalty confirming to be the difference.
The U.S Open Cup, which dates back to 1914, is the earliest soccer competition in the USA. The win gains Nashville an automated spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Mug.
Hany Mukhtar opened up the scoring in the 17 th minute with a medical surface from the center of the area after colleague Jacob Shaffelburg chested a cross right into Mukhtar’s path to provide the visitors an early lead.
“I believe it is necessary for us that we understand that we can do it, that we can win a prize,” said Mukhtar, who has actually been with the club considering that it signed up with MLS. “It provides us extra confidence for the rest of the (MLS) period.”
Austin had an opportunity to attract level soon after, yet Brian Schwake saved Myrto Uzuni ‘s place kick after the Nashville keeper stumbled him to acknowledge the fine.
Uzuni apologized for his saved penalty prior to the break when he resolved a through round from Ilie Sánchez and shattered his following touch in between the legs of an onrushing Schwake to level the score at halftime.
Austin’s Dani Pereira fouled Jeisson Palacios in the penalty area to set up a chance for Nashville to go on once again, and Surridge made certain of it, converting his attempt to put B.J. Callaghan’s side up 2 – 1
“I think this year we revealed we can control video games with the round. That is a big enhancement. And I still think we have at the very least one step to go to be a leading team, to be among the very best groups in this league,” Mukhtar claimed.
Nashville finished the game with 10 gamers after Surridge was shown a 2nd yellow card.
Callaghan additionally assisted the USMNT to success in the 2023 Nations Organization last after taking control of as interim instructor after Gregg Berhalter’s contract ended adhering to the 2022 World Mug.
Nashville’s last final remained in the Leagues Mug 2 years ago but the group lost out on a prize, falling in a fine shootout to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
Actor Matthew McConaughey, an Austin FC owner and the team’s “Priest of Society,” was among those at the match.
The last featured an all-women on-field officiating team for the first time that consisted of umpire Tori Penso and assistants Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt.
The United State Open Mug is open to both specialist and amateur clubs, yet Major League Football groups have controlled the competitors for more than two decades.
The last time a non-Major Organization Football team made it to the last remained in 2022 when the USL Championship-level Sacramento Republic played Orlando City.
The last time a non-MLS team won the event was in 1999 when the Rochester Rhinos defeated the Colorado Rapids.
Nashville is currently in sixth area in MLS’ Eastern Seminar with 2 video games to play and are assured a spot in MLS Cup playoffs.
Info from The Associated Press was used in this record.