Headlines: U.S. Open Cup Final Preview

TheCup.US:

The 111th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final features two teams on distinctly different paths. For the Columbus Crew, it is a chance to not only win their first Open Cup championship since 2002 but also may be their only chance to win a trophy in 2026 as they have been stuck in the bottom half of the MLS Eastern Conference standings all year. St. Louis City is not only aiming to win their first ever Open Cup but also to bring the trophy back to one of the cities that has historically been important to the competition. Add to the fact that St. Louis embarked on a historic 20-match unbeaten streak in MLS play that has them within reach of first place.