Minnesota United FC hosts Austin FC at Allianz Field in a US Open Cup semifinal, marking the most important game in both clubs’ MLS histories. The stakes are high, as the winner not only advances to the October 1st final but also earns the right to host the championship match, making this showdown even more significant.
Minnesota United vs Austin FC clubs are chasing their first major trophy since joining MLS, with Minnesota seeking its first silverware since 2017 and Austin pursuing their inaugural piece of hardware since their 2021 expansion. The victor also secures a coveted 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup berth, making this semifinal a gateway to continental competition.
Minnesota United vs Austin US Open Cup Match, team news, H2H, lineups, and prediction
The 2025 US. Open Cup has reached an unprecedented milestone with all four semifinalists coming from Major League Soccer – only the second time in tournament history this has occurred. The other semifinal features the Philadelphia Union at Nashville SC, with the winner of that Tuesday night encounter awaiting either Minnesota or Austin in the final.
This represents the 110th edition of America’s oldest soccer competition, and for the first time since 1999, the tournament is guaranteed to crown a first-time champion.
The defending champions, LAFC, were eliminated in the second round when represented by their reserve team, opening the door for fresh winners.
- Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
- Time: 20:30 EDT / 19:30 CT (00:30 UTC Thursday)
- Venue: Allianz Field, Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Competition: 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Semifinal
Minnesota’s ‘Sicko-Ball’ Revolution
Minnesota United has sparked excitement in American soccer with its unique tactical style, named “Sicko-Ball” by fans and media. Under Eric Ramsay’s leadership, the Loons have developed a strong identity based on solid defense, quick transitions, and lethal set-pieces, a strategy that has consistently frustrated opponents throughout the season.
The statistics support their approach: Minnesota averages just 38.9% possession in MLS matches – the lowest of any team in the league – yet sit second in the Western Conference with impressive defensive numbers. They allow just 1.1 goals per match while creating dangerous opportunities through quick transitions and set-piece mastery.
Captain Michael Boxall perfectly encapsulates the team’s philosophy: “There’s a bunch of ways to win football matches and our style of play is working for us. Everyone’s bought into our defensive identity”. The New Zealand defender doubles as the team’s long-throw specialist, adding another weapon to their set-piece arsenal.
Austin’s Resilient Road to History
Austin FC’s path to the semifinals has been anything but straightforward, requiring resilience and determination at crucial moments. Their quarterfinal victory over the San Jose Earthquakes epitomized their character – coming from behind twice in both regulation and extra time before Brad Stuver’s heroics in the penalty shootout sealed their historic progression.
Stuver made nine saves during regulation and stopped two penalties in the shootout, delivering one of the tournament’s standout individual performances. The veteran goalkeeper’s experience will be crucial against Minnesota’s direct attacking style and set-piece threats.
The Verde & Black had to overcome significant adversity during their run, including a season-ending injury to striker Brandon Vazquez in the quarterfinals. However, the emergence of Owen Wolff (5 goals, 7 assists) and Myrto Uzuni (5 goals, 3 assists) has provided attacking impetus at the perfect time.
Minnesota United vs Austin Head-to-Head Advantage
Minnesota holds a psychological edge, having defeated Austin twice during the 2025 MLS regular season. The Loons secured a convincing 3-0 victory in Austin in early May before drawing 1-1 at Allianz Field later that month.
More impressively, Austin have struggled historically at Allianz Field, with MNUFC picking up points in each of their last three league visits to Minnesota. Austin’s recent record includes a 4-1 defeat in 2023, a 1-0 loss in 2024, and this year’s 1-1 draw.
However, entire summer has passed since their last meeting, and both teams have evolved tactically while dealing with roster changes. Austin cannot rely on past results but must find new solutions to break down Minnesota’s well-organized defensive structure.
Key Player Battles
Kelvin Yeboah vs Austin Defense
Minnesota’s leading striker has been their top scorer in the Open Cup with 3 goals and leads the team with 9 goals and 3 assists in MLS play. His physical presence and clinical finishing in the penalty area will test Austin’s defensive discipline. Yeboah’s understanding of Minnesota’s transition game makes him particularly dangerous on quick breaks.
Robin Lod’s Experience
The Finnish international is one of only two survivors from Minnesota’s 2019 Open Cup final appearance, providing invaluable experience in high-pressure cup competition. His 5 goals and 6 assists in MLS demonstrate his importance to Minnesota’s attacking transitions.
Julian Gressel’s Trophy Pedigree
Perhaps Minnesota’s most important player for cup competitions, Gressel is described as a “serial winner” who won the Open Cup with Atlanta United in 2019 at their home stadium. His experience in these moments could prove decisive, while his set-piece delivery adds another attacking dimension.
Ilie Sanchez’s Cup Heritage
Austin’s Spanish midfielder brings significant Open Cup pedigree, having won the tournament with LAFC in 2024 and Sporting Kansas City in 2017. His ability to control tempo and provide leadership in crucial moments gives Austin an edge in experience despite the hostile environment.
Brad Stuver’s Goalkeeping
The veteran Austin goalkeeper has been their standout performer throughout the Open Cup run, recording eight clean sheets in 29 MLS appearances. His penalty-saving heroics against San Jose demonstrated his mental strength in pressure situations.
Minnesota United vs Austin Tactical Battle
Minnesota’s Defensive Fortress
The Loons’ success stems from their compact defensive shape that forces opponents into frustration. They defend with all eleven players behind the ball when needed, making it extremely difficult for opponents to create clear chances through sustained possession.
Their set-piece threat cannot be overstated – Minnesota have scored 19 league goals from set-pieces in 2025, making them one of the most dangerous teams in MLS from dead-ball situations. Austin must maintain exceptional discipline to avoid giving away dangerous free kicks or corners.
Austin’s Possession Problems
Austin’s traditional possession-based approach faces a significant challenge against Minnesota’s defensive setup. Their recent 2-0 defeat to FC Dallas highlighted vulnerabilities when opponents press aggressively and force turnovers in dangerous areas..
Nico Estévez faces the tactical challenge of breaking down a defense that has frustrated superior opponents throughout the season. Austin may need to abandon their usual patient buildup in favor of more direct approaches to create meaningful chances.
Atmosphere and Home Advantage
Allianz Field promises to provide a cauldron of noise for this historic semifinal. Minnesota supporters have remained loyal through difficult early years, and the opportunity to reach their first cup final since 2019 will create an electric atmosphere.
The “Sicko-Ball” philosophy has connected deeply with supporters who appreciate the team’s honest, hard-working approach. Captain Boxall noted the incredible loyalty: “It wasn’t the best place to watch or play back then, but we still had 19,000 or 20,000 every game”.
This support could prove decisive in moments when Austin need composure on the ball or when Minnesota need that extra push to create a decisive chance.
Minnesota United vs Austin Match Prediction
Minnesota’s combination of home advantage, tactical discipline, and recent dominance over Austin makes them favorites. Several factors support this assessment:
- Perfect home record against Austin at Allianz Field in meaningful matches
- Defensive organization that has frustrated better attacking teams than Austin
- Set-piece mastery that provides multiple scoring opportunities
- Experience in big moments through players like Gressel and Lod
- Hostile atmosphere that could affect Austin’s possession game
However, Austin’s cup pedigree through players like Sanchez and Stuver’s penalty expertise cannot be dismissed. Their ability to come from behind twice against San Jose demonstrates mental resilience that could prove valuable.
- Expected Result: Minnesota United FC 2-1 Austin FC
Minnesota’s defensive solidity and set-piece threat should prove decisive at home, but expect Austin to create dangerous moments through individual quality and tactical adjustments.
How to Watch Minnesota United vs Austin FC
- United States: CBS Sports Network / Paramount+
- Radio: iHeartRadio’s Alt 97.5 (English) / TUDN Radio Austin 104.3-HD2 (Spanish)
- International: Paramount+ (selected regions)
Kick-off Time by Region:
- Central Time: 19:30 CT (Local)
- Eastern Time: 20:30 EDT
- Pacific Time: 17:30 PDT
- Mountain Time: 18:30 MT
This semifinal represents the biggest match in both clubs’ MLS histories, with a trophy, continental qualification, and lasting legacy all hanging in the balance at Allianz Field.