Josef Martinez aims to revive Columbus Crew's fortunes in U.S. Open Cup final
The Columbus Crew, one of Major League Soccer's most storied franchises with nine trophies to their name, are gearing up for a crucial moment in their season. After two years without silverware, the Crew are set to host the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final against St. Louis City SC. This match, scheduled for Wednesday night, represents a chance for redemption and a potential turning point for a team that has seen significant changes since their last trophy win in 2024.
Josef Martinez, a forward who joined the Crew this summer after a challenging stint with Club Tijuana in Liga MX, is keenly aware of the stakes. Having previously won the Open Cup with Atlanta United in 2018, Martinez brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the squad. "We have to recognize that this is an opportunity to turn on the little bit of a struggle season; this is the opportunity to win something," he stated, emphasizing the importance of the final.
Martinez's journey has not been without its hurdles. The 33-year-old Venezuelan has played for five different teams in the past three years, but he is grateful for the chance to contribute to the Crew's ambitions. His presence is expected to inspire both on and off the pitch, especially as the team looks to secure their first trophy since parting ways with head coach Wilfried Nancy. "A final is special, man. It's an opportunity to win something with the club. That is the most important right now," he added, highlighting the significance of the upcoming match.
Managing pressure in the final showdown
As the Crew prepare for the final, they face a St. Louis City SC side that is unbeaten in their last 22 matches. The pressure will be palpable on both sides, but Martinez believes that managing this pressure will be key to success. "We're professional. We know what the game is; we know what the situation is right now. And we know that is important. We have to go there and play soccer and fight. That's most important," he remarked, indicating a clear understanding of the challenges ahead.
That's the Call
The Crew currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference and are unlikely to make the playoffs, making this final a critical moment for the team. Martinez's ability to score goals and lead by example will be vital as they look to turn their season around. "Yeah, we're happy [to be in the final], man. When we score, we strikers want to score every game. And we get frustrated when we can't do that. But it's a game. We have to be ready for all of this. And that will be a tough game because they are a really good team," he said, acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by their opponents.
With the final taking place at home, the Crew have the added advantage of their supporters behind them. Martinez's experience and leadership could prove decisive in this high-stakes encounter, as both he and the Crew aim to reclaim their place among the league's elite. As the match approaches, the anticipation builds, and the opportunity to secure a trophy looms large for a team desperate to end their trophy drought.
