2026 US Open Cup Round of 16: Columbus Crew beats One Knoxville to earn first Quarterfinal berth since 2010

The Columbus Crew advanced to the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over One Knoxville SC on Wednesday night. In a matchup between MLS and USL League One opposition, Columbus capitalized on chances across both halves to secure progression in the tournament.

With the win, the Crew advance to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2010. Sixteen years ago, the Crew made a run to the US Open Cup Final where they were defeated by the Seattle Sounders FC. This year will be the club’s eighth trip to the round of eight.

The Crew opened the scoring in the first half through Hugo Picard, who finished from close range after finding space in the penalty area with the help of Yevhen Cheberko. Picard has shown much promise in just the two games he’s appeared in so far this tournament, scoring three goals and making him an early contender in the US Open Cup’s Golden Boot race.

One Knoxville SC leveled the match on the ensuing kickoff, with Braudilio Rodrigues getting on the end of a rebounded shot inside the Columbus Crew penalty area, heading his attempt into the back of the net past Crew goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen. That goal proved to be the only positive moment for the visitors, as Columbus remained largely organized at the back for the remainder of the match.

Picard again found the back of the net, mirroring his first goal in front of the Nordecke as his right-footed shot was deflected past Knoxville goalkeeper Jonathan Burke, increasing his tally to four goals in just two games played. The remainder of the first half by the Columbus Crew was pure domination, dictating play and controlling possession to make Knoxville work even harder.

“Yeah, really nice to see. I also see the defensive part with his press,” said Crew head coach Henrik Rydström. “They are good on the ball, so we needed to press them well. Hugo was very good in trapping them on their right side, our left side.”

The second half was much of the same, with Daniel Gazdag etching his name on the scoresheet with his strike that found the back post past Burke, increasing the Black & Gold’s lead to 3-1.

Minutes later, United States Youth National Team striker Chase Adams secured his first goal for the first team after a missed opportunity just prior. Adams found the net with a strong right-footed shot that found the far post past Burke, firmly securing the victory for the Columbus Crew, booking their spot in the quarterfinals of the competition.

“I think I mentioned it after the Richmond game, but this was much, much better against a better team,” Rydström said. “I don’t want to take anything away from Richmond, but Knoxville is a good team. We had big respect for them.”

With the result, the Crew moves on to the Quarterfinal Round of the US Open Cup, while One Knoxville SC’s tournament run comes to an end.