On Wednesday, history will be made in Austin when Austin FC and Nashville SC face off in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final at Q2 Stadium, broadcasted on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET.
This is Nashville’s second cup final appearance, following their loss against Inter Miami on penalties in the 2023 Leagues Cup final. Conversely, this will mark Austin’s first cup final. They have met four times previously, with Nashville leading the series with two wins, one draw, and one loss.
“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,” Maher stated on CBS Sports Golazo’s Morning Footy. “We want to be the first professional sports team in Tennessee to bring home a trophy, and for us to achieve that not just for the players but also for the fans and everyone in Tennessee, it truly means a lot.”
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 team from Texas to win a U.S. Open Cup title, joining the ranks of Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas. Both teams are closely matched; however, the star attackers may play a crucial role in the outcome. Austin has had to adjust since losing Brandon Vazquez for the season in July, yet they have managed only three losses in their last nine games, capitalizing on aerial strength with 11 goals scored from headers this season, the second most in MLS.
Nashville, on the other hand, boasts experience, with four players having won this competition with different teams. They also possess noteworthy forwards to watch; notably, star striker Sam Surridge has been prolific this season, netting 27 goals in 33 appearances. If Austin focuses solely on Surridge, they risk leaving Hany Mukhtar with opportunities to capitalize.
Overall, this final promises a captivating matchup in Texas, highlighting how the Open Cup remains an exciting competition with a significant trophy at stake.
