The Columbus Crew will host New York City FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on May 20, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET.
Why it matters: This match is a chance for both teams to solidify their positions in the tournament, with NYCFC looking to advance and the Crew desperate for a win to rejuvenate their season.
NYCFC currently sits fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a record of 5-4-5, totaling 19 points.
The Crew, with only 13 points from a 3-4-7 start, are outside playoff contention and seek to turn their fortunes around in the cup.
This is the Crew's first U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2010, marking their 25th entry into the tournament.
Driving the news: The Crew recently underwent a coaching change, firing Henrik Rydstrom on May 17 and promoting assistant Laurent Courtois to interim head coach.
The Crew have struggled this month, failing to secure a win and coming off a 1-1 draw against the Philadelphia Union.
Prior to this match, the Crew achieved a 4-1 victory over One Knoxville SC in the round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup.
Courtois previously led the Crew's youth teams, winning the 2022 MLS Next Pro Cup before a brief stint as head coach of CF Montreal.
State of play: Columbus Crew's current form has been inconsistent, but they hope to leverage home-field advantage to claim a much-needed victory.
In their last five matches, the Crew have registered just one draw and four losses, most recently losing to NYCFC 3-0 on May 10.
NYCFC has also struggled recently, but their more favorable position in the standings gives them confidence heading into this matchup.
Both teams aim to capitalize on their respective strengths, with NYCFC looking to maintain possession and the Crew needing to improve their finishing.
The big picture: The U.S. Open Cup offers a unique opportunity for teams to claim silverware and secure a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
MLS teams have dominated the tournament, with only one non-MLS team winning since 1996, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.
Orlando City and St. Louis City have already advanced to the semifinals, intensifying the stakes for teams like the Crew and NYCFC.
With the Crew's only U.S. Open Cup title dating back to 2002, a deep run in this year's tournament could reignite fan support and bolster the squad's morale.
What they're saying: Players and coaches from both teams have expressed the significance of the match.
"This is a chance for us to turn things around and show what we're capable of," Courtois said, emphasizing the importance of the game.
NYCFC's coach highlighted the need for consistency as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Fans are eager to see if the Crew can rise to the occasion under new leadership and make a statement against a rival.
By the numbers: The statistics leading into the match paint a picture of contrasting fortunes for both teams.
NYCFC has a possession rate of 60.9% in their recent matches, compared to the Crew's 39.1% against them.
In terms of shots on goal, NYCFC has managed 4 against the Crew's 0 in their last encounter.
The Crew's last U.S. Open Cup semifinals appearance was in 2010, where they lost to the Seattle Sounders.
What's next: Following the quarterfinals, the winner will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for September 15-16, 2026.
The Crew will also face Atlanta United on May 24 in MLS action, which adds pressure to perform well in both competitions.
NYCFC is looking to build momentum heading into their upcoming matches in the league as they strive for a playoff spot.
Fans can stream the match live on platforms like CBS Sports Golazo Network and Amazon Prime Video, with the latter offering a 30-day free trial for new subscribers.
The stakes are high as Columbus Crew and New York City FC prepare to clash in a match that could define their seasons. With new leadership and a chance to advance in the U.S. Open Cup, both teams are ready to fight for victory.