Austin FC lost a chance at their first U.S. Open Cup title on Wednesday, taking a 2-1 home loss to Nashville SC thanks to a second-half penalty kick.

It might be good for Austin to get back on the pitch so soon after that disappointment, especially with the MLS season winding down and the Verde and Black able to clinch a playoff berth with a win over visiting St. Louis City on Saturday and a little bit of help.

"We don't have time to think about this," Austin defender Jon Gallagher said following the Cup defeat. "Hopefully, we can achieve the playoffs."

Austin FC (12-11-8, 44 points) sit sixth in the West table, four points ahead of the Colorado Rapids and six points clear of the San Jose Earthquakes with three matches left. That's important because the Verde and Black don't want to fal

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