The Crew's hopes of qualifying for the MLS playoffs might be fading, but they've still got a chance to earn a coveted trophy thanks to a 2-1 victory over Orlando City SC in a U.S. Open Cup semifinal Sept. 16 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
Getting goals from forward Josef Martínez early in the first half and star midfielder Brais Mendez early in the second, the Crew advanced to the U.S. Open Cup final Oct. 21, which they'll host against either St. Louis or Colorado.
Columbus has only won the U.S. Open Cup once, in 2002, when Lamar Hunt owned the Crew. The tournament has since being named after Hunt, so the Crew winning it 24 years later would be fitting. It would also be a salve to put on what's otherwise been a painful MLS season in Columbus.
Columbus
got the opening goal in the game's ninth minute from Martinez, who camped near the Orlando goal for a beautiful pass from Rodriguez standing in the left corner. Settling the ball that landed at his feet, Martinez scored from close range to make it 1-0 on his first goal in a Crew uniform.
Orlando tied it 1-1 late in the first half on a goal by Martìn Ojeda in the 40th minute, sending the game to halftime tried. Mendez put the Crew back up 2-1 in the 52nd minute, scoring off Rodriguez's second assist, and that goal stood up as the winner.
Dispatch Blue Jackets/Crew reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew advances to U.S. Open Cup final after downing Orlando SC
