By Justin Ruderman
St. Louis CITY SC made history Wednesday evening, securing the first trophy in club history by winning the 2026 US Open Cup. St. Louis outlasted the Columbus Crew 5-3 on penalties following a scoreless draw through 120 minutes.
The hosts dominated the opening half, controlling the pace of play while limiting CITY's opportunities.
A late first-half flurry culminated in Crew defender Mohamed Farsi smashing an effort off the post, helped on its way by a diving save from Roman Bürki to ensure St. Louis held on to the empty scoreline into halftime.
Unfortunately, the CITY netminder was forced off in the second half following a collision with Anass Zaroury as the match neared extra time.
After a scoreless extra period, the USOC final eventually reached a penalty shootout with each backup goalkeeper between the sticks.
Ben Lundt, who replaced Bürki following his injury, wasted no time making an impact, denying Santiago Rodríguez's first penalty for the Crew to give St. Louis an early lead in the shootout.
The visitors would not relinquish that advantage, going a perfect five-for-five on their spot kicks. Daniel Edelman delivered the final blow to claim the 111th US Open Cup title and seal the club's first-ever trophy.
Goals
- None
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: This season has already been a historic one for St. Louis CITY SC. After setting an MLS-record 21-match unbeaten streak across all competitions earlier this month, CITY have begun filling their trophy cabinet with the first piece of silverware in club history.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Edelman delivered the decisive moment on the night with the game-winning penalty kick straight down the middle.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Lundt proved the hero when St. Louis needed it most, saving the only penalty in the shootout after coming off the bench for the injured Romän Burki.
Next Up
- CLB: Saturday, Oct. 24 vs. Toronto FC | 3:30 pm ET (Apple TV) | MLS Regular Season
- STL: Saturday, Oct. 24 at Real Salt Lake | 9:30 pm ET {Apple TV} | MLS Regular Season