Q2 Stadium is ready for what could be the most memorable night since Austin FC came into existence. On Wednesday, the Texas side hosts Nashville SC in the 2025 US Open Cup final, their first-ever shot at a major trophy. What’s at stake is bigger than just silverware: a historic title, a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the chance to turn a season built on resilience into something lasting.
Austin’s road to the final has defined their character. They’ve battled through tough moments, coming from behind four times and surviving a penalty shootout along the way. In the semifinal against Minnesota, they let in a late equalizer that forced extra time, but CJ Fodrey’s strike in the 120th minute sent them through. Now they lean on home advantage. Austin has lost only twice in 17 home matches this year and comes in riding a winning streak at Q2 in MLS play. The atmosphere could prove decisive.
Nashville arrives confident but unpredictable
The visitors bring plenty of firepower. Nashville clinched their MLS playoff spot last weekend with a win over Houston Dynamo. Sam Surridge, the league’s second-highest scorer with 22 goals, and Hany Mukhtar, who has 16 goals and 11 assists, make up one of the most dangerous duos in MLS. They knocked out Philadelphia Union in the semifinal and travel with confidence, yet their form over the past two months has been inconsistent, leaving doubts about sustaining intensity away from home in a final.
It’s a meeting of first-timers, as both Austin and Nashville reach their first US Open Cup final. Austin holds a small edge in recent head-to-heads, winning their last clash in August 2024 and also a preseason friendly earlier this year. Those results don’t decide anything, but they add intrigue to a matchup that feels wide open.
A night of affirmation
Lifting the US Open Cup would mean more than just a trophy for Austin. It would validate a young club trying to establish itself among MLS heavyweights. Winning would also give Nashville the chance to prove their star duo can turn individual brilliance into something tangible.
In the end, the setting may tip the scales. Q2 Stadium has already built a reputation as one of the league’s most electric venues, and now it hosts a cup final. Austin’s season has been built on resilience, and they know this is the chance to turn all that fight into history.