On the Pitch
USMNT's Max Arfsten, USYNT's Darren Yapi Power Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids to U.S. Open Cup Semifinals
First trip to Semifinals since 2010 for Crew, 1999 for Rapids; Columbus to host Orlando City SC, Colorado will welcome St. Louis CITY SC in September
Following a summer break, former champions Columbus Crew and Orlando City SC will face off in Ohio, while the Colorado Rapids will host St. Louis CITY SC as each club seeks its first Open Cup title. The Semifinals match window is Sept. 15-16, and the Final—hosted by the winner of the Columbus-Orlando contest—will take place on Oct. 21.
Columbus Crew 1 – 0 New York City FC
The 2002 Open Cup champion Columbus Crew is back in the Semifinals for the first time since finishing as runners-up in 2010 thanks to a narrow victory against New York City FC on Wednesday evening. In a battle between U.S. Men’s National Team teammates, NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese and Crew midfielder Max Arfsten, the advantage went to the 25-year-old Arfsten. Despite Freese’s seven saves in the contest, Arfsten made the most of his lone shot on the evening, juking around an NYCFC defender and slotting a 59th-minute winner beyond the outstretched hands of a diving Freese at the far post. Arfsten’s winner was assisted by 22-year-old Azerbaijan international Nariman Akhundzada, the first Columbus goal contribution for the former Qarabağ FK star.
Despite Freese’s strong showing in goal, the visitors were outmatched in nearly every phase of the game, as Columbus controlled possession, constantly peppered the NYCFC defense and limited New York City to five total shots—none of which landed on target. The victory snaps Columbus’ four-match winless streak and is the first win since Laurent Courtois took over as interim head coach on Sunday. Additionally, the win extends Columbus’ impressive home record against NYCFC to 9-1-6 across all competitions. Following the FIFA World Cup break, Columbus will host Orlando City SC in the Semifinals in September.
Colorado Rapids 2 – 0 San Jose Earthquakes
In the 82nd meeting between the two MLS originals, the Colorado Rapids took full advantage of a battered San Jose Earthquakes side, defeating the visiting Quakes to advance to the Semifinals for the first time since 1999. In a first half that featured a number of VAR checks and yellow cards, the Rapids made their mark in the final few minutes of the opening frame. U.S. Under-21 Men’s National Team forward Darren Yapi scored his first Open Cup goal in match-winning fashion in the 39th minute—the 21-year-old’s 25th goal contribution in 120 matches across all competitions for the Rapids—before captain Rafael Navarro scored from the spot following a San Jose handball in the box.
The second half proceeded with little action, as both sides mustered just two shots on target apiece through the final 45 minutes. For San Jose, the Earthquakes are winless in five consecutive matches and have lost three straight after starting the season with an 11-1-0 record across all competitions. Next up, Colorado will host St. Louis CITY SC in the Semifinals in September.
