Charlotte Independence 6-0 Chattanooga Match Report

Columbus Crew secured a 2-1 victory over One Knoxville SC in the third round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, advancing to the next stage of the tournament on April 15, 2026, at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

The match, played under clear skies with an attendance of 12,450, saw Columbus take an early lead through a 23rd-minute goal from striker Cucho Hernández, who finished a well-worked team move after receiving a precise through ball from midfielder Wilfried Nancy’s tactical setup.

One Knoxville SC responded in the 58th minute when forward Agustín Ojeda equalized with a powerful header from a corner kick, capitalizing on a momentary lapse in Columbus’ defensive marking during a set piece.

The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when Crew midfielder Jacen Russell-Rowe intercepted a loose pass in midfield, drove forward, and slotted a low shot past the outstretched arms of One Knoxville goalkeeper Alex Rando to restore Columbus’ lead.

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy praised his team’s resilience after the match, noting the importance of progressing in the Open Cup while managing a congested schedule that includes MLS regular season fixtures.

“We knew this would be a tough test,” Nancy said in the post-match press conference. “One Knoxville came here to compete, and they made us work for it. But we stayed composed, adapted when needed, and found a way to win. That’s what good teams do in cup competitions.”

One Knoxville SC, competing in USL League One, entered the match as underdogs but earned praise for their disciplined performance, particularly in the first half when they limited Columbus’ chances despite conceding the opener.

The Crew’s victory sets up a fourth-round clash against either FC Cincinnati or the winner of the match between Detroit City FC and Cleveland SC, pending the outcome of the other third-round fixtures scheduled for later in the week.

Columbus Crew, the 2023 MLS Cup champions, are seeking to add the U.S. Open Cup to their recent honors, having last won the tournament in 2002. The club has emphasized the competition as a priority this season, using it to provide playing time for squad players while maintaining competitiveness.