NYCFC Falls to Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals

New York City FC faced a tough loss against the Columbus Crew, falling 1-0 in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night. This defeat not only ended their U.S. Open Cup hopes but also their aspirations for at least one trophy this season.

Max Aksten scored the sole goal in the 59th minute, a setback for NYCFC, who had been on a promising trajectory with three victories in their last four MLS matches, including a win over Columbus just prior to this game.

Columbus commanded the game with a significant edge in possession and recorded eight shots on target—while NYCFC didn’t manage a single one. It wasn’t a great night for the team for sure.

Head coach Pascal Jansen reflected on the crucial moment that led to the loss: “There was one small mistake in our defensive setup. We didn’t execute it perfectly, and that moment cost us.” He also added, “It’s disheartening because they dominated possession at times, but I still think we shouldn’t have conceded.”

Aksten’s decisive goal came from a crafty maneuver inside the box, easily maneuvering past NYCFC defenders before sending a shot past goalkeeper Matt Freese.

This loss marked a disappointing continuation of NYCFC’s history in the U.S. Open Cup, where they have never advanced beyond the quarterfinal stage. It’s particularly frustrating, especially considering they had recently emerged from a winless stretch in league play from mid-March to May.

“Losing a game like tonight will always leave us feeling down,” Jansen commented, emphasizing their focus on making it to the semifinals. “It’s disappointing not to be closer to winning a trophy. When you’re in the quarterfinals, it feels like you’re just a few games away from competing for the title, and today, we fell short.”

During the match, NYCFC was already short-handed, missing key player Maxi Morales due to an injury incurred in their previous game against Red Bull New York. A further setback occurred in warmups when Keaton Parks strained his groin, leading Jansen to start Johnny Shore in his place.

Jansen didn’t provide updates on Morales’s condition. He was also asked about the impact of injuries, hinting that the congested schedule might be a contributing factor. “When multiple games are played in a short time span, it tends to put more stress on the roster,” he said. “We need to understand what’s happening and try to prevent it from recurring.”