2026 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Max Arfsten goal, solid defense leads Columbus Crew past NYCFC

For the first time in 16 years, the Columbus Crew have advanced to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals, securing a 1-0 win over New York City FC at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Max Arfsten delivered the decisive moment in the 59th minute of a match that lacked consistent attacking rhythm. Following a patient buildup in the attacking third, Nariman Akhundzada found Arfsten in space and finished past the NYCFC goalkeeper, giving the Crew the breakthrough they needed. His goal energized the home supporters and secured Columbus a place in the tournament’s final four.

“I don’t know. I feel like I’m just a bit more confident in front of goal as the games go on, and Open Cup is a fun tournament, and I just wanted to do whatever I could to help us get the win, and I just saw the moment to cut inside, and I saw a little bit of space, and it went in,” said Arfsten.

The first half was characterized by strong defensive organization and few scoring opportunities. Columbus controlled possession at times but struggled to create chances in the final third, while New York City was unable to break through Columbus’s defense. Most of the opening 45 minutes were contested in midfield, with neither team establishing sustained attacking momentum.

The match became more open after halftime, particularly following Arfsten’s first career US Open Cup goal. New York City increased its pressure in pursuit of an equalizer, committing more players forward and forcing Columbus into a defensive posture late in the match. Despite this, the Crew’s back line remained composed and consistently disrupted dangerous passes into the box.

“I feel like we were calm,” said Arfsten.

“I think one main difference from tonight was even though we were winning 1-0, we still had the ball, and we’re being a bit daring and bold with the ball.

“We didn’t just give them the ball and sit back and kind of hope for our lives, like sometimes at the end of games. That’s what I think helped us a lot, was like we actually kept the ball, even though we were up 1-0.”

NYCFC created several tense moments late in the match, but Columbus delivered one of its strongest recent defensive performances. The Crew closed down shooting lanes, won key aerial duels, and prevented New York City from finding a clear opportunity to equalize.

In the end, Crew goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen his second clean sheet of the tournament without having to make a save. Hagen, a Guatemalan international, has only allowed one goal in three Open Cup games and has made a total of four saves during that span.

This victory is a significant milestone for Columbus, marking its first US Open Cup semifinal appearance since 2010. That year, they lost in the championship game to the Seattle Sounders FC. After weeks of inconsistent league form, the result provides a much-needed confidence boost as the club balances MLS play with knockout competition.

Next, the Crew, who won the 2002 US Open Cup, will host Orlando City SC in the Semifinals the week of Sept. 16-17, with a place in the tournament final at stake.