On Wednesday, history will unfold in Austin as Austin FC faces Nashville SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final at Q2 Stadium. The match is set to be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET. This marks Nashville’s second appearance in a cup final, having previously lost to Inter Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup final. For Austin FC, this encounter represents their first cup final in franchise history. The two teams have clashed four times before, with Nashville holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record: two wins, one draw, and one loss.
As franchises inaugurated in 2020 (Nashville SC) and 2021 (Austin FC), this final is pivotal for both clubs, as highlighted by Nashville defender Jack Maher who stated, “It means the world to me. It's something that [coach] B.J. Callaghan has made it clear that we're striving for. In the locker room, guys are talking about it. We want to be the first ever professional sports team in the state of Tennessee to bring home a trophy, and for us to be able to do that not only for the guys in the locker room but the fans and everyone in the whole state of Tennessee, I think that means the world.”
How to watch Austin FC vs. Nashville SC, odds
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Q2 Stadium – Austin, Texas
- TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Austin FC +165; Draw +230; Nashville SC +145
Austin FC aims to become the third Texas team, after Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas, to secure a U.S. Open Cup title. Both squads have shown strength, but the match may hinge on standout performances from key attackers. Austin FC continues to adapt in light of the season-ending injury to Brandon Vazquez, successfully maintaining a strong aerial game with 11 goals scored from headers, the second-highest in MLS this season.
Nashville also boasts seasoned players with cup experience, and their forwards, led by Sam Surridge, will be essential to their chances. Surridge has netted 27 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions, and if Austin focuses too heavily on him, it could open opportunities for Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar.
This promises to be an exciting evening in Texas, showcasing the enduring spirit of the Open Cup, and highlighting its significance as a trophy that defines clubs.
