Open Cup Digest #19: The Final Four Face Off
The quest for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, America’s prestigious national soccer championship, has reached its penultimate stage. From a starting pool of 196 teams, only four remain, each vying for a chance to etch their name into the tournament’s rich history. Tonight and tomorrow night, two compelling semifinal matchups will determine who advances to the coveted final.
East Coast Showdown: Nashville SC vs. Philadelphia Union
The first semifinal pits two Eastern Conference powerhouses against each other: Nashville SC and Philadelphia Union. This clash, scheduled for tonight, is more than just an Open Cup semifinal; it’s a potential preview of the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals. Both teams have demonstrated their prowess throughout the season and harbor ambitions of hoisting multiple trophies this year.
Philadelphia Union, currently leading the Supporters’ Shield standings, have emerged as a formidable force in MLS. Their consistent performance and tactical flexibility have made them a favorite to contend for the MLS Cup. However, their Open Cup aspirations are equally strong. A victory tonight would propel them to their fourth-ever Open Cup final, a stage they haven’t reached since 2018.
Nashville SC, on the other hand, are eager to claim their first trophy in club history. While they’ve experienced a somewhat inconsistent run of form recently, their potent attack, spearheaded by MLS Golden Boot leader Sam Surridge and playmaker Hany Mukhtar, is capable of dismantling any opponent. Reaching the Open Cup final would be a significant milestone for the Tennessee club.
West Coast Battle: Minnesota United FC vs. Austin FC
The second semifinal features a Western Conference encounter between Minnesota United FC and Austin FC. This match, scheduled for tomorrow night, promises to be a captivating contest between two teams with contrasting styles and ambitions.
Minnesota United FC are enjoying their best season since joining MLS in 2017. Their solid defense and balanced attack have propelled them to the upper echelons of the Western Conference standings. After Tani Oluwaseyi’s transfer to Villareal, Kelvin Yeboah will need to step up and lead the team. Having reached the US Open Cup final once before in 2019, the Loons are determined to seize this opportunity to capture their first major trophy as a Division I club.
Austin FC, in contrast, are battling to secure a playoff spot in MLS. While their attacking output has been somewhat inconsistent, their defensive resilience and goalkeeping prowess have kept them in contention. Reaching the Open Cup final would be a significant achievement for the club, providing a much-needed boost to their season.
The Road to the Final: A Look Back at the Earlier Rounds
While the spotlight is now firmly on the remaining four teams, it’s important to acknowledge the journey that brought them to this stage. The US Open Cup is renowned for its Cinderella stories, where lower-league teams defy expectations and capture the hearts of fans.
The earlier rounds of the tournament were filled with captivating moments, from a burrito shop taking down professional teams to a squad from Astoria pulling off the impossible in Kentucky. These underdog victories embody the spirit of the Open Cup, where anything is possible.
Broadcast Information and Predictions
Both semifinal matches will be broadcast on the CBS family of networks. Tonight’s game between Nashville SC and Philadelphia Union will air exclusively on CBS Sports Network, while tomorrow night’s game between Minnesota United FC and Austin FC will be available on Paramount+.
Predictions:
- Nashville SC vs. Philadelphia Union: The Union are favorites, but Nashville’s home advantage and potent attack could pose a threat. I’m leaning towards Philadelphia Union advancing to the final, 2-1.
- Minnesota United FC vs. Austin FC: Minnesota United are the stronger team overall and have the advantage of playing at home. I predict a 2-0 victory for Minnesota, sending them back to the final.
2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Results
While the 2025 US Open Cup semifinals are taking center stage, the qualifying rounds for the 2026 edition have already begun. Over the weekend, the First Qualifying Round took place, with 44 teams across the country battling for a spot in the next round.
In New Jersey, Scots-American Athletic Club defeated Real Central NJ 3-1, marking their first Open Cup win since the mid-twentieth century. Daniel Vicente, a former professional player, scored the game-winning goal for his hometown club.
In New York, Doxa FCW edged out New Jersey Alliance FC 1-0, with Murat Çalkap scoring the decisive goal. Doxa is seeking their first tournament appearance since 1975.
NY Renegades secured a 2-1 victory over ASC New York, thanks to second-half goals from Oscar Rivas and Junior Rosero. The UPSL side, which qualified for its first USOC earlier this year, aims to make another run in the tournament.
In a heated Hellenic Derby, New York Greek Americans defeated New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2-0. Francesco Perinelli and Roc Carles Puig scored for the four-time Open Cup champions, while both teams received red cards during the match.
These results mark the beginning of the long and arduous journey towards the 2026 US Open Cup, where amateur and semi-professional teams will have the opportunity to test their mettle against the best in the country. The remaining qualifying rounds will continue in October, with teams vying for a coveted spot in the tournament proper.
The Stakes are High
As the 2025 US Open Cup semifinals kick off, the stakes are incredibly high. For the four remaining teams, a victory would not only secure a place in the final but also provide a significant boost to their season and a chance to claim a historic trophy.
The Philadelphia Union are aiming for a treble, while Nashville SC are seeking their first trophy in club history. Minnesota United FC are determined to avenge their 2019 final defeat, while Austin FC are hoping to defy the odds and secure a spot in the final.
The journey to the US Open Cup final is a test of skill, determination, and resilience. The four remaining teams have demonstrated these qualities throughout the tournament, and they are now just one step away from reaching the ultimate stage.
Whether it’s the established MLS powerhouses or the underdog challengers, the US Open Cup offers a unique opportunity for teams of all levels to compete for glory and etch their name into American soccer history. As the semifinals unfold, fans can expect thrilling matches, dramatic moments, and unforgettable stories that will be remembered for years to come.
The 110th US Open Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, and will be hosted by the winner of the Western Conference Semifinal.