COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have endured plenty of frustration during the 2026 MLS season.

On Wednesday night, however, they found something that has been missing for much of the year: a reason to celebrate.

The Crew defeated Orlando City SC 2-1 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal, earning a place in the tournament final for the first time since 2010. Columbus will host the Oct. 21 final against either the Colorado Rapids or St. Louis CITY SC.

Perhaps fittingly, the two players responsible for sending Columbus through were two of the club’s biggest summer additions.

Santiago Rodriguez made an immediate impact, assisting on both Crew goals.

The first came in the ninth minute.

Following a Columbus corner, Rodriguez delivered a ball toward the back post, where Josef Martinez was waiting. The veteran forward settled the opportunity and finished from close range to give the Black & Gold an early 1-0 advantage. It was his first for the Crew since arriving.

Orlando, though, refused to go quietly.

The Lions found an equalizer in the 40th minute when Martin Ojeda fired a low shot from the edge of the penalty area. Justin Ellis created the opportunity with a strong individual run before finding Ojeda, sending the two teams into halftime level at 1-1.

Columbus need another moment of quality.

They found it seven minutes into the second half.

Rodriguez again provided the service, this time floating a ball into the box for Brais Mendez. The Spanish midfielder timed his run perfectly and finished first-time inside the area to put Columbus back in front.

This time, the lead held.

Mendez’s goal was his fifth in all competitions since joining Columbus from Real Sociedad during the summer transfer window, while Rodriguez’s two assists highlighted the influence the club hoped its summer reinforcements would provide.

For a Crew side that has struggled to find consistency in MLS play, the Open cup path has provided a completely different path.

Columbus entered the semifinal after defeating Richmond Kickers, One Knoxville SC, and New York City FC. The semifinal victory now puts the Black & Gold 90 minutes away from their first Open cup championship since 2002.

That opportunity carries significance beyond another piece of silverware.

The U.S. Open Cup champion also earns a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, giving Columbus an opportunity to turn what has been a difficult MLS campaign into a season with a trophy and continental soccer attached to it.

For now, the Crew can celebrate.

They still have work to do in league play.

But on Wednesday night, Columbus looked like a team with something to play for. And now, it has a final to play for, too.

What’s next?

The Crew is back in MLS action Saturday, traveling North of the border to take on CF Montreal. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT at Stade Saputo. You can watch the match on Apple TV.