2026 US Open Cup Semifinals: Santiago Rodriguez of Columbus Crew voted TheCup.us Player of Round

Santiago Rodríguez has been named TheCup..us Player of the Round following his standout performance in the Columbus Crew’s 2-1 victory over Orlando City SC in the Semifinals of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Rodríguez played a direct role in both of Columbus’ goals, recording two assists as the Crew booked their place in the US Open Cup Final for the first time since 2010. He becomes the first Columbus player in history to win Player of the Round honors.

Rodriguez was the runaway winner of the award, followed by St. Louis CITY’s Simon Becher in second place, followed by CITY goalkeeper Roman Burki.

TheCup.us Player of the Round is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

The Uruguayan midfielder wasted little time making an impact.

In the ninth minute, Rodríguez delivered an in-swinging cross into the penalty area following a Columbus corner. Josef Martínez found the service at the back post and calmly finished to give the Crew an early 1-0 advantage.

Orlando responded before halftime through Martín Ojeda, but Rodríguez once again provided the difference after the break.

Seven minutes into the second half, Rodríguez slipped a lofted ball into the penalty area for Brais Méndez, who timed his run perfectly before finishing first-time from inside the box to restore Columbus’ lead.

The assist was Rodríguez’s first for the Crew in just his fourth appearance since joining the club during the summer transfer window. He finished the semifinal with four shots, one shot on target and five crosses while playing the full 90 minutes.

More importantly, both of his assists directly contributed to the Crew advancing to the championship match.

Rodríguez’s performance also highlighted the immediate influence Columbus hoped to receive when it acquired the 26-year-old from Botafogo. Alongside Méndez and Martínez, Rodríguez has become part of a revamped Columbus attack tasked with providing more creativity and production during the second half of the season.

The Crew will now have the opportunity to finish the job on Oct. 21, when Columbus hosts St. Louis CITY SC in the US Open Cup Final.

For Rodríguez, his Player of the Round recognition adds another milestone to what has already been an important start to his Columbus career.

Two assists against Orlando did more than earn individual recognition.

They helped put the Crew 90 minutes away from another trophy.