The inaugural Ohio Derby kicked off tonight when Columbus Crew SC traveled down I-71 South to take on FC Cincinnati in the fourth round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match would set a Fourth Round US Open Cup record with 30,160 in attendance. The previous record was held when Sporting Kansas City took on Louisville City last year.
FC Cincinnati Claims Ohio Derby Title With 1-0 Upset of Columbus Crew SC
Crew SC forward Adam Jahn had a good look early on in the fourth minute when Justin Meram slid him through a nice ball, but the shot from Jahn was just wide of the post. Cincinnati would answer back when forward Djiby Fall had a great shot on goal but went right over the bar.
Djiby again had another chance to put the Queen City up in the 23rd minute, but the chance was wasted.
In the 25th minute, Columbus had an opportunity to take the lead when Meram was tripped up. Federico Higuain was able to get the ball over, but it took a deflection on the way. The ensuing corner kick.
Ethan Finlay made a great run towards the end of the half. A weak shot from his right foot found a streaking Jahn to tried to tuck it home, but the ball hit the outside of the net.
As the first half came to a close, both teams created limited chances. The game remained scoreless through the first 45.
Second Half
Artur was able to have a great chance on goal but he failed to convert as he sent the ball high over the net. Just minutes later, Higuain was able to snap his head on a ball into the center, but it would just miss the net.
Djiby Puts FC Cincinnati Up
Djiby was able to put FC Cincinnati up on top of Columbus with his header in the 64th minute that beat Crew keeper Brad Stuver.
Columbus had a chance to equalize when Artur played a low-cross to Jahn but the tall forward couldn’t get a foot on it to tuck it home.
Columbus had their backs against the wall in the final 15 minutes of the match. In order to equalize, they would need to play smart and defend well.
FC Cincinnati figured out Columbus really well, not allowing them to convert any chances.
With the loss, the Black and Gold fell to 6-3-0 against USL teams. FC Cincinnati advances to the next round of the US Open Cup against an opponent to be determined. Columbus is eliminated and now shift their focus to Saturday’s MLS match against Atlanta United.
