Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: ScottsMiracle‑Gro Field — Columbus, Ohio
Broadcast: Paramount+
Weather Outlook — Columbus, OH (Seasonal Expectation)
No direct weather data was returned in search results; based on late‑April Columbus climate:
Temperature: Mid‑50s to low‑60s
Conditions: Partly cloudy
Wind: Light breeze
Impact: Cool, fast pitch conditions — ideal for high‑tempo play
Injury Report
No official injury lists were included in available sources. Both clubs are expected to enter with standard rotation for a knockout match.
Team Records & Recent Form
Columbus Crew SC
Round of 32: 3–0 win vs. Richmond Kickers (away)
Recent Form (all competitions):
L 2–1 vs. NE
W 3–0 vs. Richmond (Cup)
D 1–1 vs. Orlando
W 3–1 vs. Atlanta
L 2–1 vs. Toronto
Open Cup History:
23‑14‑13 all‑time record
2002 U.S. Open Cup champions
One Knoxville SC
Round of 32: Advanced with strong early‑round form (3 goals in multiple matches)
Recent Form (all competitions):
W 2–1 vs. Cincinnati
W 3–3 vs. D.C. United (advanced)
D 0–0 vs. Portland
W 2–1 vs. Sacramento
W 1–1 vs. Asheville
Top Scorers (Cup):
B. Diene — 2 goals
D. Krioutchenkov — 2 goals
M. Gøling — 1 goal
Key Player Matchups
H. Picard (CLB) vs. Knoxville Back Line
Picard leads Columbus with 2 goals in the tournament.
His movement between lines will challenge Knoxville’s defensive shape.
Jamal Thiaré (CLB) vs. Knoxville Center‑Backs
Scored in his lone Cup appearance; a physical presence up top.
Diene & Krioutchenkov (KNX) vs. Columbus Defensive Unit
Both Knoxville forwards have 2 goals in the Cup and are the primary threat in transition.
Midfield Battle: Ruvalcaba & Sejdic (CLB) vs. Knoxville’s Press
Both Crew midfielders have registered assists in the Cup.
Knoxville’s defensive midfield must disrupt Columbus’ rhythm.
Series History
This is the first competitive meeting between the clubs.
Columbus holds a significant experience advantage as an MLS side with deep Open Cup history.
Betting Trends
Columbus Crew
Strong home form historically in the Cup.
Multiple goals scored in recent matches.
Clean sheet in Round of 32.
One Knoxville SC
Entering with momentum after multiple positive results.
Dangerous in transition and set pieces.
Lower‑division sides often play with nothing to lose — volatility factor.
MATCH ODDS
One Knoxville SC + 650
Columbus Crew SC – 330
Draw + 450
Over 3.5 + 140 Under 3.5 – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 28, 2026
