RECAP: Accam's goal helps Crew SC advance to Open Cup Round of 16

Columbus Crew SC advanced to the Fifth Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after defeating Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1-0 on Tuesday, June 11 at MAPFRE Stadium. 

The Black & Gold had six shots in the first half, including a redirection from forward Patrick Mullins in the fourth minute that sailed just wide of the net. 

Crew SC eventually found the back of the net in the 55th minute when midfielder Pedro Santos turned and served a ball to David Accam, who then volleyed it into the back of the net. The goal marked Accam's first since joining the Black & Gold mid-season. 

In the 67th minute, Connor Maloney served a ball to Mullins who was tripped up in the box, thus giving Crew SC a penalty kick. From the spot, Santos shot when off of the left post as Pittsburgh then cleared it from danger. 

Defensively, Crew SC was able to limit Pittsburgh to four shots in the match, only one of which was on target. The effort helped goalkeeper Jon Kempin earn his first career shutout with the Black & Gold. Also notably, defender Alex Crognale made his 2019 debut for Crew SC after starting and playing a full 90 minutes. 

Up next, Crew SC must wait until the Round of 16 draw to learn of its next opponent, which will take place on Thursday, June 13. The Fourth Round winners will be divided geographically into four groups, and pairings will be determined within those groups. A fixed bracket for the rest of the tournament will be established. The match will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+.

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Goal Scoring Rundown:

CLB - David Accam (Pedro Santos), 55th minute: Accam volleys a serve from Santos into the back of the net. CLB 1, PIT 0 | FINAL 

Lineups:

Columbus Crew SC

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Match Notes:

Midfielder David Accam registered his first goal since joining the Black & Gold during tonight’s 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Accam’s goal came in the 55th minute after receiving a ball over the top from Pedro Santos. Accam played 90 minutes registering four shots and attempting 123 passes.

Pedro Santos recorded an assist during tonight’s match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Santos found David Accam in the 55th minute with a long ball over the top. With the assist in tonight’s contest, Santos has now scored a goal or provided an assist in each of his last three matches across all competitions for Crew SC. Santos played 90 minutes making three tackles, attempting 60 passes and finishing with a passing percentage of 65.

Defender Alex Crognale made his first appearance (and first start) of 2019 across all competitions for Crew SC in tonight’s 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round match. Crognale played 90 minutes, registering one tackle, completing 75 passes and finished with a passing percentage of 89.3. Since joining Columbus Crew SC ahead of the 2017 regular-season, Crognale has made 22 appearances (12 starts) in regular-season action.

Harrison Afful returned to the pitch for the Black & Gold during tonight’s 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round Match. The match marked the first appearance for Afful since he suffered a broken jaw during a home contest against Atlanta United (March 30). Afful played 45 minutes, recording 46 touches, completing 39 passes and a passing percentage of 84.6. To date, Afful has made 100 regular-season appearances (97 starts) since joining Crew SC in July of 2015.

Hector Jimenez wore the Captain’s armband in tonight’s match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Jimenez played 90 minutes, registered 140 touches, created four chances, attempted 114 passes and had a passing percentage of 89.5. Jimenez joined Crew SC in 2014 and has made 117 regular-season appearances (79 starts).

Jon Kempin recorded his first shutout for the Black & Gold in tonight’s in tonight’s 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round match. The goalkeeper made one save against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds– en route to earning his first clean sheet of 2019. Kempin join Crew SC ahead the 2018 season and has made six regular-season appearances (all starts).

With its victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in tonight’s match, Crew SC advances to the Round of 16 of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The draw for the Round of 16 is slated to occur on Thursday, June 13, with the matches taking place between June 18-23.