Benjamin Lundt Emerges as Hero as St. Louis CITY Wins U.S. Open Cup in Penalty Shootout

Reserve goalkeeper Benjamin Lundt became the unlikely hero in the U.S. Open Cup final, helping St. Louis CITY claim their first trophy by defeating Columbus Crew in a penalty shootout. The German keeper’s crucial saves injected life into an otherwise uneventful match and highlighted St. Louis’ commitment to a process-driven approach.

For much of the 70-minute contest, Columbus Crew dominated possession and pressure, challenging St. Louis CITY to defend deeply. Coach Yoann Damet typically encourages his team to control matches through ball possession rather than enduring defensive pressure, but the team held firm despite being under sustained attack.

The latter stages saw the roles reverse somewhat, with St. Louis generating more attacking chances while Columbus shifted to a defensive posture. Neither side could find a breakthrough during regular time, leading to a penalty shootout where Lundt rose to prominence. He saved two penalties while all five of St. Louis’ attempts found the net, giving the club its inaugural trophy and perhaps signaling the start of a successful era for this historic soccer city.

Strengths and Weaknesses on Both Sides

Both teams showed clear flaws. St. Louis, who had reshaped their roster midseason and earned praise in MLS play, missed star forward Rafa Navarro, limiting their attacking options. Columbus also struggled in the final third, lacking a decisive finisher despite creative chances from attacking midfielder Brais Mendez.

Goalkeeper Roman Burki started for St. Louis but had to be substituted due to a head injury. His replacement, Lundt, maintained composure and effectiveness throughout. The match resembled a tactical battle between two coaches influenced by Wilfried Nancy’s 3-4-2-1 system, with Columbus outshooting St. Louis fourfold but only managing three shots on target.

Ultimately, the game featured intense running, cramps, and stoppages, culminating in the tension of a penalty shootout that felt both gritty and, frankly, low quality. St. Louis never faltered from the spot, while Columbus missed twice, largely due to Lundt’s sharp reflexes. The victory was a long-awaited milestone for the St. Louis franchise.

Winner: Yoann Damet

Yoann Damet deserves credit for steering the club through its first full season as head coach. Back in August, he openly acknowledged how important winning this cup was for the team. While Damet generally focuses on steady improvement over time rather than immediate results, this achievement validated his methods and gave St. Louis a tangible reward after struggling early in the MLS season.

Damet emphasizes collective strength over individual stars and aims to build a team that improves daily. This trophy is proof his philosophy can deliver success. It also cements St. Louis’s claim as a major soccer hub in the United States, even if some debate that status. For Damet, this win will always stand as a landmark accomplishment.

Loser: Laurent Courtois

Laurent Courtois, acting as interim coach for Columbus Crew since May, faced a difficult challenge. Without key player Wissam Abou Ali, sidelined by injury, the squad showed grit but ultimately fell short. Courtois put together a solid tactical plan and benefited from strong performances, including captain Sean Zawadzki’s defensive efforts and Mendez’s chance creation.

Veteran Josef Martinez offered energy and creativity, but the team lacked a clinical finisher needed to convert opportunities. Despite putting in a respectable showing, Courtois couldn’t break the trend of near misses and has yet to secure any major trophies in MLS. This loss will likely be a tough one to shake off.

Winner: Benjamin Lundt

Backup goalkeepers rarely become heroes, yet Benjamin Lundt did just that. After replacing the injured Roman Burki, Lundt’s imposing six-foot-six frame seemed mostly passive during regular play, often just sending the ball far upfield. But his moment came during the shootout. With no detailed notes or elaborate preparations visible, Lundt appeared to rely on instincts and guesswork to stop two penalties, delivering a classic underdog performance that clinched the title.

Loser: Rafa Navarro

Rafa Navarro must have been frustrated watching from the sidelines, having been cup-tied for this final. Signed midseason for a hefty $12 million, Navarro delivered eight goals in eight MLS games for St. Louis, proving to be a dependable striker who scores inside the box with ease. His absence left the team without a reliable goal scorer at a critical moment, especially after losing attacking midfielder Alex Matan and Marcel Hartel to departures. St. Louis sorely missed his cutting edge in attack.

Winner: Wilfried Nancy

The influence of former Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy remains evident. Laurent Courtois coached Columbus’s MLS Next Pro team under Nancy and shaped the current lineup in his image. Nancy would likely appreciate the controlled buildup, ball retention, and spatial awareness displayed by Columbus, reflecting his coaching style.

Similarly, St. Louis’s Sporting Director, Core Wray, worked closely with Nancy, embedding a shared philosophy focused on teamwork and structure. Although Nancy’s past teams were known for dynamic attacks, this final showcased more of their defensive resilience. Both clubs demonstrate how coaching philosophies pass down through staff and players in MLS.

Loser: The Fans

Sadly, this final proved to be a slog for spectators. The match lacked excitement and clear chances, making it a tough watch outside of tactical analysis circles. The two sides combined for only six shots on target, and no shots occurred during the second half of extra time. It was a true stalemate, featuring hard work and discipline but little flair or breakthrough moments.