St. Louis City SC won its first trophy on penalties

St. Louis City SC beat Columbus Crew 5-3 on penalties after extra time in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final, winning the first trophy in club history. It was the first time in 11 years that the Open Cup final was decided on penalties.

In the 78th minute, Roman Burki took a knee to the head and was taken to hospital. Benjamin Lundt, who came on in his place, saved Santi Rodriguez's first penalty. Midfielder Daniel Edelman, after more than 120 minutes on the pitch, sent the final penalty down the middle of the goal to bring home the trophy. At the trophy ceremony, Burki's jersey was displayed on the pitch.

Columbus took 16 shots but only three were on target. Although the club was founded in 2023, the city is no stranger to this tournament. St. Louis teams won the Open Cup 10 times between 1920 and 1988, and the last title came in 1988 from Busch Seniors.

36-year-old head coach Yoann Damet said this was only the first stage. The team, whose 21-match unbeaten run ended over the weekend, is second in the Western Conference and is now focused on the goal of the MLS Cup.