Overview

• Nashville beat the Philadelphia Union 3-1 in the Open Cup semifinal, with Sam Surridge scoring all three goals to send NSC to the Oct. 1 final against the winner of Austin FC vs. Minnesota United.
• The Union recorded zero shots in the first half and finished with just one attempt, a 70th-minute strike by Quinn Sullivan after he entered in the 63rd minute.
• Manager Bradley Carnell’s rotation faltered until second-half changes, a decision scrutinized after a cross-continent trip and a 7-0 defeat days earlier.
• Individual errors by Jakob Glesnes and Olwethu Makhanya on a long throw and a set piece left Surridge unmarked for decisive finishes.
• Goalkeeper Andrew Rick made five saves and drew praise for his shot-stopping, while referee Victor Rivas issued five yellows to the Union and faced criticism over a player re-entry decision.