Photo via CBS Sports

Josef Martinez embraces chance at turning Columbus Crew's season around in U.S. Open Cup final

The Columbus Crew, a franchise with nine trophies in MLS history, will look to end their two-year title drought when they face St. Louis City SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S.

Open Cup final on Wednesday. The match, airing live on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m.

ET, offers the Crew a chance to salvage a season that has fallen short of expectations, especially after their Leagues Cup victory in 2024. For forward Josef Martinez, the final represents a rare opportunity to add to his trophy collection, having previously won the Open Cup with Atlanta United in 2018 alongside the MLS Cup, Golden Boot, and MVP awards that same year.

Martinez, now 33, joined the Crew this summer after a challenging stint with Club Tijuana in Liga MX, describing the move as a chance to rediscover his form and contribute meaningfully to a team in need of a lift. With the Crew’s recent struggles, Martinez’s experience and leadership could prove pivotal as they aim to secure their first trophy since Wilfried Nancy’s departure.

The final, a moment he calls 'special,' underscores the urgency of the moment for both player and club.

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