The Columbus Crew are hosting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday night, and for a team that’s had “a little bit of a struggle season,” it is a straight up chance to salvage everything. They’re going up against St. Louis City SC, a squad that’s currently riding an insane 22-game unbeaten streak. But if anyone can turn the tide on a team like that, it’s the veteran forward Josef Martinez.
The Crew’s Shot at Redemption
Look, the Crew are one of Major League Soccer’s most successful clubs, with nine trophies in their history. But it’s been two years since their last one, that Leagues Cup win back in 2024, and a lot of the current roster wasn’t even around for that. This isn’t just another game, it’s a monumental opportunity to grab their first trophy since Wilfried Nancy’s tenure and wipe away what Martinez himself called a “struggle season.” He put it perfectly: “We have to recognize that this is an opportunity to turn on the little bit of a struggle season; this is the opportunity to win something.” That’s the mindset, pure and simple.
Martinez: The Veteran Who Still Gets It Done
Josef Martinez joined the Crew this summer, landing there after what he called a “tough time” with Club Tijuana in Liga MX. Before that, he’d left CF Montreal. Yeah, this is his fifth team in three years, but the man is grateful to be with the Crew now. He’s back to full fitness and ready to contribute when it matters most, with a trophy on the line. At 33 years old, the Venezuelan forward brings a level of experience you just can’t buy. He’s won the Open Cup before, back in 2018 with Atlanta United, a year where he also snagged the Golden Boot, MLS Cup, and MVP awards. He’s also been to a final in Miami and lost, so he knows both sides of this coin. “It’s special when you have a final,” Martinez said. “I don’t remember how many players have the opportunity to play that.” This dude is “El Rey” for a reason, still striking fear into opponents. Even an opponent like St. Louis, with their mind-boggling 22-game unbeaten run, has to reckon with what Martinez brings, both on and off the pitch. He’s aware that he and Mendez are looked to as leaders, and he relishes that role. As he put it, straight to the point: “We’re professional. We know what the game is; we know what the situation is right now. And we know that is important.”
So, Wednesday night, it’s all on the line. The Crew is hosting, Martinez is ready, and a trophy is waiting. You know he’s gonna be looking to lead the charge against that undefeated St. Louis squad. Get ready for some fireworks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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