Austin absorbed long stretches of Minnesota pressure – the hosts fired off 22 shots and found their equalizer through Joaquín Pereyra’s curling free kick in the 67th minute – yet Estévez’s side never lost composure. Brad Stuver’s late one-on-one save kept the dream alive before Fodrey’s decisive strike sealed a night that showcased both Austin’s defensive grit and its newfound knack for seizing the biggest moments.
They will now meet Nashville SC, who also broke new ground by advancing to their first U.S. Open Cup Final. The Boys in Gold secured a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union at GEODIS Park, powered by a hat trick from Golden Boot leader and MVP candidate Sam Surridge. While the club previously reached the Leagues Cup Final in 2023, this marks their first chance to lift a domestic trophy in front of their growing fanbase.
Fodrey’s recent success highlights a win for Austin FC‘s academy system. The 21-year-old forward has now scored two match-winners in his last three appearances across all competitions, demonstrating remarkable composure in pressure situations.
In Nashville, the rise of Surridge continues as the former Nottingham Forest striker continues to state his case for MLS MVP and has brought the team to its second final.
Austin FC will host Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup Final at Q2 Stadium on Oct. 1.
A victory for either side would represent the first major professional trophy in both club and city history. For Austin, it would be a landmark achievement for the city’s first top-flight franchise, while in Nashville, neither the NFL‘s Titans nor the NHL’s Predators have ever captured a championship despite prior finals appearances. Beyond the silverware, the winner will also earn a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
