Nashville SC Sparks Outrage While Claiming Historic U.S. Open Cup Triumph
Making history in professional sports, a Tennessee-based team has claimed its inaugural championship title.
Nashville SC secured the organization's maiden trophy, marking the first professional sports championship for any team in the state, defeating Austin FC 2–1 in Wednesday evening's U.S. Open Cup Final at Q2 Stadium, powered by strikes from stars Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge.
Mukhtar, a cornerstone of Nashville's offensive unit since their debut MLS season in 2020, broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a volleyed finish following Jacob Shaffelburg's chest-down pass, while Surridge converted the decisive 2–1 goal from twelve yards after a disputed penalty decision.
Myrto Uzuni leveled the contest for Austin during first-half injury time, but the hosts couldn't complete a comeback in the second period.
When the final whistle sounded, it was the hundreds of supporters gathered at Nashville SC's GEODIS Park watch party who celebrated joyously, witnessing a historic achievement that had eluded the NFL's Tennessee Titans, NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, and NHL's Nashville Predators.
"It's incredible. I'm extremely proud of this group," Mukhtar expressed. "Coming into this season, we had many new players, a fresh coach with innovative ideas about our playing style. The way this team has developed throughout the year reflects great credit on everyone and fills me with pride.
"It's challenging to adapt when you've played one way for an extended period, then shift the mentality... we aspire to be an elite team and while we've captured our first silverware, we desire more championships, so we must take the next leap. I believe this represents the correct direction, but significant work remains ahead."
Following the final whistle, Mukhtar and U.S. men's national team defender Walker Zimmerman seized the trophy and returned to their teammates for the celebration. Both players remain consistent and culture-shaping figures within the squad, instrumental in the team's improved performances under debut head coach B.J. Callaghan.
For Callaghan, this represents another milestone in his expanding coaching portfolio, having previously guided the USMNT to the 2023 Concacaf Nations League championship while serving as interim manager.
"Throughout this campaign we've encountered these crucial moments and risen to the occasion, as demonstrated once again tonight," he commented afterward. "Clearly, closing out a final isn't straightforward, and I felt we handled that excellently. Simply proud of this group and the collective effort."
The victory secured Nashville's qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup while providing crucial momentum for their MLS season, which had stalled with only two victories in nine matches following a mid-season surge that produced six wins in seven games.
Penalty Decision Creates Controversy
Nashville emerged victorious through the fortune of two penalty situations. While Surridge's 57th-minute conversion proved decisive, Austin squandered their own spot-kick opportunity in the 21st minute when Brian Schwake denied Uzuni's effort.
The incident resulting in Surridge's penalty, however, generated additional controversy. Austin's Dani Pereira became entangled with Nashville SC defender Jeisson Palacios, before officials determined Pereira had fouled inside the penalty box.
In his post-match interview with CBS Sports, Austin manager Nico Estévez described the decision as "terrible," stating it was a "very disappointing evening for American soccer because this represents a significant occasion, truly important, and you cannot determine the champion based on such a questionable call."
Following this setback, Austin will focus on their remaining three MLS regular-season fixtures against St. Louis CITY SC, LAFC, and the San Jose Earthquakes, as they pursue a top-four Western Conference position.
Nashville, having exorcised the ghosts of their 2023 Leagues Cup final defeat to Inter Miami, aims to maintain their momentum against CF Montreal, the same club that previously denied them their first championship two seasons ago.