The “magic of the cup” struck American soccer on Wednesday evening, because the U.S. Open Cup final 16 introduced with it a giant-slaying.
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL Championship shocked Main League Soccer aspect Columbus Crew at Highmark Stadium to advance to the cup quarterfinals for the primary time in 22 years. Columbus turned the second MLS aspect in a row to lose to Pittsburgh within the competitors after the New England Revolution’s defeat within the final 32 on Might 9.
A solitary aim decides the sport
Within the twenty second minute, Pittsburgh ahead Albert Dikwa sprinted into house past the Columbus protection. He was performed onside as midfielder Robbie Mertz discovered him with a by way of ball, and Dikwa utilized a slick right-footed end past veteran goalkeeper Evan Bush at hand the hosts a lead they’d not relinquish.
The Riverhounds received the sport regardless of managing 25 % possession and ending the match with 10 males after a Ninety fifth-minute purple card. Columbus, sitting eighth within the Japanese Convention, tried solely seven pictures for all the recreation.
Crew with an evening to overlook
Columbus, which received the U.S. Open Cup in 2002, couldn’t take care of a raucous sold-out crowd in Pittsburgh, which can host Open Cup quarterfinal motion for the primary time since 2001. The Crew had virtually all the ball however accrued solely three pictures on track in opposition to Riverhounds goalkeeper Jahmali Waite.
Pittsburgh has by no means superior previous the quarterfinal stage, however will likely be assured of creating historical past within the final eight. The Riverhounds will hope to be the second consecutive USL Championship aspect to make all of it the best way to the ultimate, following Sacramento Republic final 12 months.