What to watch as Orlando City head to Columbus Crew for the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals

One Step Away 

Orlando City enters Wednesday night's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal against the Columbus Crew one win away from a place in the tournament final. The Lions advanced through the Round of 32, Round of 16 and quarterfinals to reach the final four and now face one of the biggest matches on their schedule. With a berth in the Open Cup Final at stake, Orlando sits one result away from the opportunity to play for the oldest trophy in American soccer and compete for the club's second U.S. Open Cup title. 

Griezmann's Historic Pace 

Antoine Griezmann continues to produce at one of the highest levels in Major League Soccer since arriving in Orlando. The French forward leads the league with eight goals since the summer break and his 11 goal involvements during that span are tied for the third-most in MLS. Griezmann has also scored in five consecutive matches across all competitions, setting a new Orlando City record for the longest single-season goal-scoring streak. In the process, he matched the club-record streak of five consecutive matches scored in, a mark previously reached by Dom Dwyer across multiple seasons. Griezmann can become the first player in club history to score in six consecutive matches if he finds the net against Columbus on Wednesday night. 

Finding Goals in Numbers 

Orlando City's attack has been among the league's most productive since the summer break. The Lions' 25 goals during that stretch are tied for the fifth-most in MLS, fueled by contributions throughout the lineup. Orlando has scored multiple goals in seven of its last nine matches across all competitions and enters the semifinal after recording three goals in a shutout victory over Toronto FC. 

Defensive Momentum 

The Lions carry defensive confidence into the semifinal following a 3-0 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday night. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau recorded four saves en route to his fourth clean sheet for Orlando City, while the back line secured the Club's fifth shutout across all competitions this season. Orlando has conceded just two goals across its last three matches. 

Harvey's Breakthrough 

Rookie forward Harvey Sarajian delivered the first goal and first assist of his Orlando City career in Saturday's win over Toronto FC. The performance made him the latest young player to contribute for the Lions this season, joining a growing group of emerging talent that has played a role across league and cup competitions. Sarajian's breakout night added another attacking option to an Orlando City side that has found consistent production throughout its roster. Sarajian then scored and assisted for Orlando City B in the Club’s 3-0 win over Toronto FC II less than 24 hours later. 

Milestone Tracker 

- Martín Ojeda needs three goals to tie Facundo Torres’ club record of 47 across all competitions. Ojeda is also three assists from matching Mauricio Pereyra’s club record of 47. 

- Daryl Dike is one goal away from tying former Lion Chris Mueller (22) for ninth on the Club’s all-time scoring charts.