U.S. Open Cup Match Preview - D.C. United face Nashville SC in a Quarterfinal matchup at GEODIS Park on July 9
Following a 0-0 draw at home against Atlanta United FC in league play on Saturday, July 5, D.C. United continues their 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign in a quarterfinal matchup against Nashville SC on Wednesday, July 9, at GEODIS Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.
The Black-and-Red have recently gotten back to full strength with the return of Christian Benteke, João Peglow, and Jackson Hopkins from injury. D.C. United has put together impressive results throughout the Open Cup and looks to extend that play against Nashville. D.C. United is coming off a recent 1-0 loss against Nashville on June 28, where forward Sam Surridge won a penalty in the 18th minute securing three points on the road for Nashville SC. D.C. United will look to bounce back this time around, with players returning from injury and international break. Head Coach Troy Lesesne will look to these players to spark the offense and get a win away from home to progress in the tournament.
D.C. United booked their spot in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC on May 21, 2025, ultimately winning 2-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Black-and-Red showed grit and determination, coming from behind twice in regulation and extra time to keep their Open Cup hopes alive. With several regulars unavailable, 21-year-old forward Jacob Murrell led the line and continued to gain valuable minutes in high-stakes action. Goalkeeper Jordan Farr’s heroics in the shootout were instrumental, saving four of the five penalties and securing the Black-and-Red their first quarterfinal berth since 2013.
Nashville SC enters the quarterfinal in strong form under Head Coach B.J. Callahan, riding a 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions and coming off a statement league win over the Philadelphia Union. They are led by the dynamic duo of Sam Surridge (16 goals, 2 assists) and Hany Mukhtar (9 goals, 5 assists), both of whom have been in sensational form this season. In their Round of 16 fixture, Nashville edged past Orlando City 3-2, with defender Ahmed Qasem delivering a standout performance that included a goal, the most duels won, and the most tackles recorded.
Wednesday’s quarterfinal clash presents a pivotal opportunity for D.C. United, as the club looks to secure its first U.S. Open Cup semifinal appearance in over a decade. With the team trying to build momentum and key players returning to the lineup, the Black-and-Red are determined to deliver a strong performance on the road against an impressive Nashville side.
Last Match against Nashville SC | June 28, 2025
On June 28, 2025, D.C. United faced Nashville SC at Audi Field in a crucial bounce-back game for the Black-and-Red. In a tightly contested defensive battle, the Black-and-Red struggled to generate attacking momentum despite a strong performance along the back line. The decisive moment came in the 18th minute when Nashville SC was awarded a penalty. Forward Sam Surridge converted from the spot, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Despite sustained defensive discipline from United allowing only two total shots on target, the lone goal proved to be the difference, as Nashville escaped with all three points on the road.
How to Watch
The match will stream live on Paramount+. CBS Sports Network will broadcast each night’s early kickoff, while fans can catch both nightcaps for free by tuning into CBS Sports Golazo Network. Studio coverage on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network, and at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
