COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew have won plenty of trophies over the past several years, but there's one championship they haven't claimed in nearly a quarter-century.
That could change Wednesday night when Columbus hosts St. Louis CITY SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
The Crew last won the competition in 2002, defeating the LA Galaxy, 1-0, at Historic Crew Stadium. That victory gave Columbus its first major trophy, beginning a championship history that now includes three MLS Cups and a Leagues Cup title.
Twenty-four years later, the Crew have an opportunity to add another trophy in front of their home supporters.
A Chance to Finish the Job
Columbus has taken an impressive route to Wednesday's final, winning all four of its U.S. Open Cup matches.
The Crew opened with a 3-0 victory at the Richmond Kickers before defeating One Knoxville SC, 4-1, in the Round of 16. A 1-0 win over New York City FC sent Columbus to the semifinals, where goals from Josef Martínez and Brais Méndez produced a 2-1 victory over Orlando City.
The Crew also enter the final with some momentum from Sunday's 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in the Hell is Real derby.
Columbus managed just four shots in that match, but goals from Gonzalo Tapia and Taha Habroune, along with eight saves from Patrick Schulte, were enough to secure a rivalry victory.
While they didn't have a ton of shots on goal, the Crew made their opportunities count. They'll need that same efficiency, offensively and defensively, against a St. Louis team that has been one of the hottest clubs in Major League Soccer.
St. Louis Presents a Serious Challenge
St. Louis comes to Columbus after having its remarkable 21-match unbeaten streak across all competitions snapped Saturday in a 3-2 loss to Minnesota United.
CITY SC led 2-0 early in that match before surrendering three unanswered goals, including the winner in the 86th minute.
The defeat ended a 19-match unbeaten streak in MLS play and a 21-match run across all competitions. But one loss doesn't erase how solid St. Louis has been over the past several months.
Columbus should expect a difficult match against an opponent that has spent much of the season finding ways to avoid defeat.
For the Crew, playing at home could provide an advantage. ScottsMiracle-Gro Field has already hosted championship celebrations in recent years, including the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup.
Wednesday offers an opportunity to add another.
More Than Just a Trophy
The winner will also earn a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, giving Columbus another opportunity to compete against some of the best clubs in North America.
A victory would give the Crew their second U.S. Open Cup championship and tenth trophy in club history.
For St. Louis, it would be the first major trophy since the club began MLS play in 2023.
Wednesday's final kicks off at 8 p.m. ET and will be televised on CBS Sports Network and streamed on Paramount+.
