MLS U.S. Open Cup Match Preview: Nashville SC vs. D. C. United

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Match: Nashville SC vs D.C. United
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT
Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, TN
Competition: 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Quarterfinals
Broadcast: Paramount+, Golazo Network

Match Overview

The 2025 U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals bring a high-stakes Eastern Conference showdown to GEODIS Park, where in-form Nashville SC hosts a struggling D.C. United side. This will be the third meeting between the two clubs this season, with Nashville unbeaten in both prior encounters—including a 1–0 win at Audi Field just two weeks ago. Nashville enters the match riding a 14-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, while D.C. United is winless in their last four and has failed to score in three straight matches. With a semifinal berth on the line, the pressure is on both sides to deliver.

Team Form & Head-to-Head

TeamLast 5 MatchesGoals ScoredGoals Conceded
Nashville SCW-W-W-W-D93
D.C. UnitedD-L-L-L-W312

Nashville SC is 2nd in the MLS Eastern Conference and leads the league in defensive shutouts.

D.C. United sits 12th in the East and has scored just once in their last 4 matches.

Head-to-head in 2025:

May 17: 0–0 draw at GEODIS Park

June 28: Nashville 1–0 win at Audi Field

Tactical Breakdown

Nashville SC

Coach: B.J. Callaghan

Formation: 4-3-3

Key Players:

Sam Surridge – 16 goals in 21 MLS appearances; scored in 6 straight matches

Hany Mukhtar – 9 goals, 5 assists; creative engine

Ahmed Qasem – Breakout performer in Open Cup with goals and tackles

Strengths: Pressing, set pieces, midfield control

Injuries: Tyler Boyd, Taylor Washington, Maximus Ekk, Wyatt Meyer (all out)

D.C. United

Coach: Troy Lesesne

Formation: 3-4-3

Key Players:

Christian Benteke – Veteran striker; 8 goals in 2025

João Peglow – Recently returned from injury; creative spark

Jordan Farr – Heroic in penalty shootout vs Charlotte

Strengths: Physicality, counter-attacks

Injuries: Lukas MacNaughton, Kristian Fletcher (out)

Road to the Quarterfinals

Nashville SC

1–0 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (Third Round)

3–2 vs Orlando City (Round of 16)

D.C. United

3–3 (2–1 pens) vs Charlotte FC (Round of 16)

Gritty comeback with shootout heroics from Jordan Farr

How to Watch

Streaming: Paramount+, Golazo Network

Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT

Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, TN

MATCH ODDS

Nashville SC – 235                            Draw + 350                         D. C. United + 550

Over 2.5 – 170                                   Under 2.5 + 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 8, 2025

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MLS Editor
Profile: A dedicated Major League Soccer analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and rapidly expanding competitive landscape. This columnist provides in‑depth coverage that blends match‑film study, advanced metrics, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern MLS. Background: With extensive experience covering professional soccer across North America, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term club development across all MLS markets. Signature Coverage Areas: Match previews and tactical breakdowns Player performance evaluation and advanced statistical analysis Transfer‑window movement, roster‑building strategy, and academy development Coaching philosophies, formation trends, and league‑wide tactical shifts Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex tactical concepts and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time MLS supporters and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for MLS’s growth, diversity, and evolving identity within global soccer.