Full Breakdown
Nashville SC Advances to First U.S. Open Cup Final with Hat Trick from Sam Surridge
9/17/2025, 9:25:51 PM
Semifinal Match Overview
Nashville SC secured a historic 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on September 16, 2025, at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee. This win marks Nashville's first-ever appearance in the U.S. Open Cup Final, where they will face either Austin FC or Minnesota United on October 1. Sam Surridge was the standout player, scoring all three goals for Nashville, bringing his season total to 26 across all competitions, tying the club record set by Hany Mukhtar in 2022.
Match Details
The match began with a slow pace, but Surridge opened the scoring in the 36th minute, heading in a long throw-in from Jeisson Palacios. He doubled the lead shortly after halftime in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from a corner kick. Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan managed to pull one back in the 70th minute with a well-placed shot, but Surridge sealed the victory with a volley in the 84th minute from a cross by Daniel Lovitz.
Key Player Performances
Sam Surridge's hat trick was pivotal, showcasing his ability to exploit defensive lapses from the Union. His performance not only solidified his position as the MLS Golden Boot leader but also highlighted Nashville's attacking prowess. Jeisson Palacios contributed significantly on both ends of the pitch, providing an assist and making crucial defensive plays.
Philadelphia Union's Struggles
The Philadelphia Union, who entered the match as the Eastern Conference leaders, faced a challenging week following a 7-0 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Head Coach Bradley Carnell's decision to rotate players did not yield the desired results, as the team struggled to create scoring opportunities and conceded three goals to Nashville. Despite Sullivan's goal, the Union's defense was unable to contain Surridge, leading to their elimination from the tournament.
Official Statements & Responses
Nashville SC's coach B.J. Callaghan praised his team's commitment and performance, stating, "For him [Palacios] to turn around and put in a performance like that speaks volumes to the type of commitment he has." Meanwhile, Surridge expressed the team's ambition, saying, "We want to lift up a major trophy, and the U.S. Open Cup is one of them."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics pointed to the Union's defensive lapses as a significant factor in their defeat. The team allowed Surridge to find space in the box multiple times, leading to their downfall. Carnell acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We know nothing's broken, and we’re excited about the challenge against a very strong Nashville team."
What's Next
With their victory, Nashville SC will prepare for the U.S. Open Cup Final, aiming to become the first major professional sports team in Tennessee to win a championship. The Union will shift their focus back to the MLS, where they remain in contention for the Supporters' Shield despite their recent setbacks.
Nashville SC's journey in the U.S. Open Cup has been historic, and they now stand on the brink of achieving a significant milestone in their club history.
