Nashville SC to host Philadelphia Union in U.S. Open Cup

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Headline: Nashville SC Gears Up for Historic U.S. Open Cup Semifinal Showdown Against Philadelphia Union

Nashville SC U.S. Open Cup semifinal As the calendar inches closer to mid-September, Nashville SC fans can sense history unfolding. On Tuesday, September 16, the Boys in Gold (Nashville SC) will host the Philadelphia Union at GEODIS Park in their first-ever Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal—a milestone for a club still chasing its first major trophy

. A Landmark Moment for Nashville SC

Nashville SC’s upcoming match doesn’t just represent advancement—it symbolizes hometown glory. Since joining MLS in 2020, only three U.S. Open Cup editions saw them compete (2022, 2023, and now 2025). This year marks the first time they’ve reached the semifinal stage Making deeper history, a win on September 16 would crown them the first professional team from Tennessee ever to win silverware

The road to this high-stakes clash wasn’t easy. In their quarterfinal showdown, Nashville came from behind to dismantle D.C. United 5–2, framing an emphatic comeback powered by Sam Surridge’s brace, a confident penetrative strike from Jonathan Pérez, and late goals from Andy Najar and Walker Zimmerman, pushing their unbeaten run to 15 games

Philadelphia Union’s Grit and Glory

Across the brNashville SC U.S. Open Cup semifinalacket, Philadelphia wasn’t idle. After weather delays postponed their quarterfinal, the Union finally faced the New York Red Bulls on August 13. What followed was dramatic. Trailing twice, they rallied back with goals from Tai Baribo and newcomer Milan Iloski, before backup center-back Olwethu Makhanya scored the 89th-minute winner to seal a 3–2 triumph and a place in the semifinals

This marks Philadelphia’s fifth semifinal appearance in Open Cup history. Intriguingly, Nashville’s current head coach, B.J. Callaghan, spent seven years as an assistant coach with the Union—bringing familiarity and possibly extra motivation to this match-up

Ticket Time & Itinerary

For fans eager to witness this landmark night, ticketing opened gradually: Season Ticket Members got early access starting August 14, while general public sales began August 22 via NashvilleSC.com and Ticketmaster Expect a full house at 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET) under the lights of GEODIS Park, with the road to October’s final hanging in the balance

. Stakes at Play: Curtain-Raiser to the Finale

Beyond city pride and silverware, this match carries high stakes. The U.S. Open Cup winner earns a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, plus valuable prize money and a name etched onto one of the nation’s oldest sports trophies . With the final scheduled for October 1, the winner of this clash will either host or travel—depending on the outcome of the Minnesota United vs. Austin FC semifinal on September 17

. What to Watch: Key Matchups & Storylines

  • Sam Surridge: Nashville’s unstoppable goal machine, leading MLS scoring charts and peaking at the right moment.
  • Home Advantage: GEODIS Park has become a fortress—can Philly crack it?
  • Tactical chess: Callaghan’s connection to Philly adds a nuanced layer to preparations.
  • Momentum vs. Resilience: Can the high-flying Nashville maintain form, or can gritty Philly rewrite the script?

  • . SEO & Keywords to Highlight

    For your news website, aim to weave in keywords that draw search visibility while keeping the tone conversational:

    • Nashville SC U.S. Open Cup semifinal
    • Philadelphia Union semifinal preview
    • GEODIS Park Nashville soccer semifinal
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  • . Humanized, Engaging Tone

    Yes, style matters. Imagine this:

    “When Nashville soccer fans think of milestones, MLS expansion and playoff dreams come first. But this season, something greater stirs under the lights of GEODIS Park. On September 16, the Boys in Gold will host their first-ever U.S. Open Cup semifinal—and the city knows it. Tickets sold fast, hope is high, and a corner of Tennessee could soon toast its first major trophy. Across the pitch stands the familiar, gritty Philadelphia Union—who know how to fight late, who know how to defy the odds. It’s a story that writes itself

  • Final Word

    This isn’t just a match. It’s Nashville SC’s emergence on the national stage, a chance for redemption, and the promise of legacy. Whether you’re a diehard at GEODIS Park or tuning in from afar, set your alarms for September 16—7 p.m. CT—because something special is brewing in Music City.

    Let me know if you’d like player quotes, deeper historical context, or even pre-match fan experiences added!

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