Columbus Crew Edge Orlando City 2-1 to Reach U.S. Open Cup Final

The Columbus Crew have secured their place in the U.S. Open Cup final after defeating Orlando City 2-1 in a high-stakes semifinal match on September 16, 2026. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Crew, who now move one step closer to claiming another title in the historic tournament.

Match Summary: Goals and Momentum

The contest began with an early advantage for the home side, as Columbus Crew's Josef Martinez scored to put the Crew in the lead. Orlando City responded effectively before the break, with Martin Ojeda scoring an equalizer to level the match at 1-1 heading into halftime.

However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. The turning point occurred when Orlando City's star player, Antoine Griezmann, was forced to exit the match. Following Griezmann's departure, Orlando's offensive production collapsed; the team failed to record a single shot on target for the remainder of the game, allowing Columbus to find a second goal and seal the 2-1 victory source.

Tactical Impact: The Griezmann Factor

The match highlighted Orlando City's heavy reliance on Antoine Griezmann, who had been in exceptional form leading up to the semifinal. Before this match, Griezmann had scored in five consecutive games and helped Orlando City achieve a 6-2-2 record since joining the club source. His exit left a void in the Lions' attack that they were unable to fill, leading to a "subpar" performance in the closing stages of the match.

Key Match Statistics

Event/Stat	Columbus Crew	Orlando City
Final Score	2	1
Goal Scorers	Josef Martinez	Martin Ojeda
Post-Griezmann Shots on Target	N/A	0
Tournament Status	Advanced to Final	Eliminated

What's Next for Both Clubs?

With the u.s. open cup semifinal concluded, Columbus Crew now prepares for the final. For Orlando City, the focus shifts entirely back to the MLS regular season. The Lions have nine games remaining in their campaign and must now prioritize securing a playoff spot.

Despite the disappointment of the knockout loss, Orlando City continues to see individual success, with forward Justin Ellis recently earning his first call-up to the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) under head coach Mauricio Pochettino source.