Controversy and Missed Chances Cost Austin FC US Open Cup Trophy

Austin FC’s quest for their first major piece of silverware ended in heartbreak and acrimony Wednesday night, as they fell 2-1 to Nashville SC in the US Open Cup Final at Q2 Stadium. The physically imposing Nashville side, combined with several controversial officiating decisions, ultimately proved too much for the Verde and Black in front of their home supporters.

Instead of celebrating a maiden championship, Austin’s players and coaches were forced to watch as Nashville SC hoisted the trophy on their pitch, a victory sealed by what many perceived as a soft, pivotal penalty.

Nashville struck first in the 17th minute with a beautifully executed sequence capped by superstar midfielder Hany Mukhtar, who scored with a swinging half-volley. Austin’s response was immediate, but ill-fated. Less than two minutes later, Myrto Uzuni was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. However, Uzuni’s subsequent spot kick was poor, saved easily by Nashville keeper Brian Schwake, preserving the visitors’ lead.

Austin dominated the remainder of the half, finally breaking through in stoppage time when Uzuni atoned for his miss, taking an Ilie Sánchez pass and nutmegging Schwake to level the score at 1-1. The equalizer ignited one of the loudest roars in Q2 Stadium’s history.

The crucial moment arrived in the 57th minute. During a Nashville corner, Austin midfielder Dani Pereira and Nashville’s Jeisson Palacios tumbled. Referee Tori Penso, having just warned Pereira about grabbing, awarded Nashville a controversial penalty.

“We were both grabbing each other. It happens every corner,” a frustrated Pereira said after the match. “I think it’s soft for a final.”

The prevailing opinion in the stadium and among post-game analysts was the same, but the call stood. Nashville striker Sam Surridge coolly converted the penalty, restoring the - lead.

For the final half hour, Nashville retreated into a stout defense, frustrating the home crowd by slowing play and burning clock. Austin could only muster a few half-chances before the final whistle blew.

“This is the press conference that you don’t want to have,” ATX coach Nico Estévez remarked as Nashville celebrated. “Hopefully we learn from today and that pain that we have is the fuel that helps us to wake up tomorrow and leads us to get what we want to get in the rest of the season.” The pain of this narrow defeat will surely linger, but the team hopes to turn this fuel into success for the remainder of their campaign.