COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew are headed to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals for the first time since 2010.
Max Arfsten broke a scoreless deadlock in the 59th minute, and the Crew made the goal stand as they defeated New York City FC 1-0 Wednesday night at Lower.com Field to advance to the tournament's final four. Columbus will host Orlando City SC in the semifinals later this summer.
The quarterfinal was the type of tightly contested match often expected in knockout competition.
Neither side generated many clear scoring opportunities during the opening 45 minutes. Columbus controlled possession for long stretches but found New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese difficult to beat, while the Crew defense limited the visitors to few dangerous chances of their own. Nicholas Hagen was rarely tested in goal, preserving the scoreless draw through halftime.
The breakthrough finally came just before the hour mark.
Nariman Akhundzada threaded a pass into the path of Arfsten, who calmly worked his way into the penalty area before sending a low right-footed shot beyond Freese and into the far corner. The finish gave Columbus a 1-0 advantage and proved to be all the offense the Crew would need.
New York City pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer over the final 30 minutes, but Columbus remained organized defensively. The Crew closed passing lanes, won key challenges in the air and prevented the visitors from creating many quality chances in front of goal.
The Crew nearly added an insurance goal late in the match as Hugo Picard and Jamal Thiaré each forced Freese into impressive saves, but Columbus remained content to protect its one-goal lead through the final whistle.
The victory continues an encouraging stretch for interim head coach Laurent Courtois, who returned the Crew to their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation for the quarterfinal. Columbus looked comfortable throughout the evening, controlling possession and dictating much of the play while advancing one step closer to the club's first U.S. Open Cup title.
For Columbus, the result keeps another trophy opportunity alive.
Already among Major League Soccer's perennial contenders, the Crew now find themselves just two victories away from lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time since 2002.
What's Next: The Crew return to MLS play this weekend before turning their attention back to the U.S. Open Cup later this summer. Columbus will host Orlando City SC in the semifinal, with the winner advancing to the tournament final.