St. Louis City SC captured the first trophy in club history by defeating the Columbus Crew 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a tense 120-plus-minute scoreless draw on Wednesday in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final. The match marked the first time in 11 years that an Open Cup final was decided from the penalty spot, coming after starting goalkeeper Roman Burki was forced off and taken to the hospital following a head collision in the 78th minute.
Goalkeeping Heroics and Penalty Drama
Benjamin Lundt replaced Burki to make his fourth appearance of the season and his second relief appearance in an Open Cup penalty shootout. Lundt stopped Santi Rodriguez’s opening penalty attempt, providing the edge St. Louis needed as their designated takers converted cleanly under pressure. Midfielder Daniel Edelman, who played the entire match, scored the decisive spot-kick down the middle to clinch the championship.
Edelman praised the depth and resilience of the goalkeeping unit after the game in an interview with CBS Sports, highlighting Burki’s dedication and Lundt’s clutch performance. During the trophy presentation, the team displayed Burki’s jersey while he was being evaluated at the medical facility. Although leaving the field on a stretcher in a final is concerning, Burki was conscious and mobile upon departure, and his teammates successfully secured the victory on his behalf.
Restoring a Historic Legacy in St. Louis
The triumph ends a long-standing championship drought for the region, which has deep roots in American soccer history. Between 1920 and 1988, St. Louis teams claimed the U.S. Open Cup 10 times, with the Busch Seniors previously lifting the trophy in 1988 before the establishment of St. Louis City SC in 2023. Edelman reflected on the significance of bringing silverware back to the passionate local fanbase.
Veterans of the 1988 championship squad had questioned whether the city would ever witness another Open Cup title. Under the direction of coach Yoann Damet, the roster demonstrated grit by overcoming injuries and bouncing back immediately after having a 21-game unbeaten streak snapped just days prior.
Looking Ahead to Future Ambitions
Throughout the final, Columbus controlled the tempo with 16 total shots, though the St. Louis defense held firm, limiting their opponents to only three shots on target. Having climbed to second place in the Western Conference, Damet emphasized that the club’s ambitions extend beyond this milestone achievement, with sights set on pursuing the MLS Cup and achieving a double.
Damet told CBS Sports that building success requires a clear vision and patience since the team’s inception, viewing this victory as merely the initial phase of the organization’s long-term plan. The 36-year-old manager aims to continue expanding the club’s trophy cabinet with the ongoing support of the front office.
Source: CBS Sports Headlines
