On the Pitch
On the Pitch
On the Pitch
How They Got Here: Columbus’ Quest for a Second Open Cup Crown
Columbus Crew host Orlando City SC in Open Cup Semifinal on Wednesday, Sept. 16
The Columbus Crew are back in the Open Cup for the first time since 2023, back in the Semifinals for the first time since 2010 and chasing their first Open Cup title in nearly two-and-a-half decades. Two wins away from a fifth trophy in six years, here’s how the Crew have positioned themselves for success in the Open Cup with hopes of salvaging its 2026 season.
How Things Started
A year after appearances in the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS Cup Playoffs, the Columbus Crew entered the 2026 campaign with high expectations. Back in the Open Cup for the first time since 2023, the Crew had been ultra-successful under head coach Wilfried Nancy, winning the MLS Cup in 2023 and Leagues Cup in 2024. With Nancy off to Celtic following the 2025 season, the Crew welcomed in Henrik Rydström from Malmö.
Despite a perfect start to Open Cup play featuring victories against former champions Richmond Kickers and defending USL League One champions One Knoxville SC, a 3W-7L-4D start to the MLS campaign was enough for Columbus to move on from Rydström. The Crew turned to former Columbus Crew 2 title-winner and CF Montréal boss Laurent Courtois to replace Rydström on an interim basis. Courtois’ first match at the helm was a 1-0 victory against New York City FC in the Open Cup Quarterfinals.
The third meeting between 1995 Open Cup champs Richmond Kickers and 2002 winners Columbus Crew favored the visiting MLS side at City Stadium in Richmond, Va. Columbus controlled the match and cruised to victory against the historic USL League One side, as Hugo Picard tallied his first professional brace and Jamal Thiaré bagged his first goal for the club. The result saw the Crew return to the Round of 16 for the third time since 2017.
Columbus Dismantle Top Third-Division Finishers Knoxville
Round of 16: Columbus Crew 4 – 1 One Knoxville SC
The Columbus Crew ended USL League One champion One Knoxville SC’s magical cup run, defeating the 5-year-old side at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The 2002 Open Cup-winning Crew returned to the Quarterfinals for the first time since finishing as runners-up in 2010. Though Columbus controlled the majority of the contest, the first half was fairly even as Picard notched his second consecutive Open Cup brace and Knoxville’s Braudílio Rodrigues scored his third goal of the young season. The second half saw Columbus put the match out of reach for its third-division opponent, as Hungary international Dániel Gazdag scored his second of the season in the 72nd minute before 18-year-old forward and U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team talent Chase Adams bagged his first Crew goal in his second senior team appearance.
USMNT Stars Duel Ahead of World Cup
Quarterfinals: Columbus Crew 1 – 0 New York City FC
The Crew returned to the Semifinals for the first time since 2010 thanks to a narrow victory against New York City FC in the Quarterfinals. 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 snapped Columbus’ four-match winless streak and marked the first win since Laurent Courtois took over as interim head coach just days prior. Additionally, the win extended Columbus’ impressive home record against NYCFC to 9W-1L-6D across all competitions.
Return to MLS Play, Leagues Cup Success
Following its 1-0 victory against NYCFC in the Open Cup Quarterfinals, Columbus picked up a 2-0 victory against Atlanta United before the World Cup break. Since returning to action in late July, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag for the Crew. In league play, Columbus went 1W-1L-1Dbefore Leagues Cup commenced, falling to NYCFC in an Open Cup rematch, defeating “Hell is Real” derby foe FC Cincinnati and later posting a 2-2 draw in South Florida against Inter Miami.
In Leagues Cup, Columbus posted an unbeaten group stage record with wins against Atlas and Pachuca plus a big victory on penalty kicks against Pumas. It was a respectable showing for the 2024 champions, ultimately bowing out in the Quarterfinals against Club América in Los Angeles. Back to league play, August was not as kind to Columbus; the Crew have lost four consecutive league matches with three coming against a trio of Eastern Conference contenders in Charlotte, Nashville and New England.
Off the pitch, the Crew have been active in the transfer market throughout the season. Columbus brought in former Manchester United and Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly, purchased former Spain midfielder Brais Méndez from Real Sociedad, added Chile international Gonzalo Tapia on loan from São Paulo, and rounded things out with a reunion of former Atlanta United goalscorers Josef Martínez and Brooks Lennon.
The Crew also sold two of their most prolific attackers: sending leading scorer Diego Rossi to Liga MX side Monterrey in July before moving U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Max Arfsten to English Championship outfit Middlesbrough FC in August. Columbus also sent its leading Open Cup goalscorer, 23-year-old midfielder Hugo Picard, on loan to Ligue 1’s Troyes in his native France.
What’s at Stake
A strong finish in the Open Cup would help—at least partially—salvage a disappointing season for the Crew. The MLS originals have never finished lower than 20th in the Supporters’ Shield standings. Positioned second-to-last in 29th at the moment, a trophy and automatic Concacaf Champions Cup berth would be a massive win for the Crew.
