Columbus Crew turned a tight US Open Cup semi-final in Ohio into a 2-1 passage to the final, overcoming Orlando City and its former Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann on a night decided soon after the interval.
Key takeaways
- Josef Martínez put Columbus ahead in the ninth minute with a composed left-foot finish.
- Martín Ojeda restored parity for Orlando shortly before half-time from outside the penalty area.
- Brais Méndez struck the winning goal in the 52nd minute after Santiago Rodríguez created the opening.
- Griezmann started for Orlando but made way for Daryl Dike in the 54th minute.
- Columbus will meet either Saint Louis or Colorado Rapids in the final.
Columbus Crew book their US Open Cup final place
The Crew made the sharper start and were rewarded early. Martínez controlled a delivery from the left with assurance before driving a left-footed shot beyond the Orlando goalkeeper to give the home side the lead.
Orlando found their answer on the edge of the interval. Argentina’s Ojeda struck cleanly with his left foot from outside the box, bringing the visitors level and sending the match into the break at 1-1.
Columbus regained control seven minutes after the restart. Uruguay international Santiago Rodríguez supplied the decisive pass, allowing former Real Sociedad midfielder Méndez to score the goal that settled the semi-final.
Griezmann’s night ends early as the final awaits
Griezmann was included from the start for Orlando, but his involvement ended two minutes after Méndez’s winner when Dike replaced him. The Frenchman has scored eight goals in 10 MLS appearances for the club.
The victory sends Columbus into the US Open Cup final, where the Crew will face the winner of the other semi-final between Saint Louis and Colorado Rapids.
SEO Title: Columbus Crew beat Orlando City to reach US Open Cup final
SEO Description: Columbus Crew defeated Orlando City 2-1 in the US Open Cup semi-final, with Josef Martínez and Brais Méndez scoring to send the Ohio club into the final.
