{
  "id": 7916494,
  "title": "Columbus Crew advances to U.S. Open Cup final after downing Orlando SC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/columbus-crew-advances-to-u-s-open-cup-final-after-downing-orlando-sc",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T01:07:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/columbus-crew-advances-u-open-010742807.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Columbus Crew secured their place in the U.S. Open Cup final after a 2-1 win over Orlando City SC in a tightly contested semifinal match on September 16. The Crew's 21st U.S. Open Cup title, which they host on October 21 against either St. Louis or Colorado, was secured through goals from Josef Martínez and Brais Mendez. Martínez opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a well-placed finish from a well-crafted pass from Rodriguez. Orlando tied the game at 1-1 in the 40th minute, but Mendez put Columbus ahead again in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on an assist from Rodriguez. The Crew's victory provides a much-needed morale boost following a challenging season in Major League Soccer.",
  "summary": "The Columbus Crew edged Orlando City SC to reach the U.S. Open Cup final, offering a bright spot in a difficult MLS season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Columbus Crew wins 2-1 against Orlando City SC in U.S. Open Cup semifinal",
    "Josef Martínez and Brais Mendez score goals for Columbus",
    "Crew hosts final on October 21 against St. Louis or Colorado"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}