Austin FC hosts Nashville SC in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup Final at Q2 Stadium on Wednesday, October 1. One of those two teams will claim its first ever trophy and a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The Verde & Black set themselves up for this occasion with wins in four previous knockout rounds, dating back to early May when ATXFC took its first step in the competition.
Round of 32: Austin FC 3-2 El Paso Locomotive – May 7, 2025
Austin’s Open Cup journey was nearly over at the first hurdle. ATXFC fell behind 2-0 in the first half of their first match in the tournament against El Paso Locomotive as Beto Avila netted a brace in the 20th and 34th minutes.
But Austin made an impressive comeback late in the second half, powered by two goals and an assist from Brandon Vazquez, two assists from Owen Wolff, and a goal by Myrto Uzuni.
Round of 16: Austin FC 3-1 Houston Dynamo FC – May 21, 2025
Vazquez was on the scoresheet again as Austin hosted in-state rivals Houston in the following round. The striker’s well-taken goal put the Verde & Black 1-0 up at halftime, and goals four minutes apart in the second half by Osman Bukari and Ilie Sánchez ensured the match was beyond reach for the Dynamo.
Quarterfinals: San Jose Earthquakes 2(2)-2(4) Austin FC – July 8, 2025
ATXFC had to overcome major adversity on the road to advance past San Jose. The team fell behind twice but equalized on both occasions, despite losing Vazquez to an ACL injury. Uzuni’s 115th minute penalty kick, plus nine saves by Brad Stuver, helped Austin reach a penalty shootout.
Stuver then saved two San Jose attempts in the shootout – just as he did in Austin’s only other shootout in Club history – and ATXFC converted all four of its attempts to move on.
Semifinals: Minnesota United FC 1-2 Austin FC – September 17, 2025
Austin were given a tough task in the semifinal round, going away to Minnesota United who ranked second in the Western Conference at the time of the match. The Verde & Black stood up to the challenge, working well together as a unit to neutralize Minnesota’s style of play.
Bukari gave Austin a lead with the final action of the first half. Minnesota’s Joaquin Pereyra equalized via a free kick in the second half, ensuring extra time would be required to settle the score.
That’s when CJ Fodrey produced a moment of Open Cup magic, finishing a rebound from Uzuni’s header in the 120th minute to send Austin to the final. Fodrey’s goal was the latest ever scored in Club history.
