The Columbus Crew beat the USL’s One Knoxville SC, 4-1, at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field Wednesday to advance to the quarter-finals in U.S. Open Cup play. The Black & Gold scored two goals in each half en route to the victory. Here are our three takeaways from Wednesday’s action:

1.    In two weeks of U.S. Open Cup competition, Hugo Picard has etched his name in the Crew’s book of Cup all-stars. He recorded a brace Wednesday with goals in the 10th and 23rd minutes. That followed his two goals a week ago at Richmond in the round of 32. Only Crew Circle of Honor member Brian McBride has scored more, netting three in 1998 and two in 2002, when the Crew won the Cup.

2.   The Columbus defense once again played well but the offense made it easy by possessing the ball more than 75% of the time. The Black & Gold outshot One Knoxville 20-9 and played a more physical game than the visitors, being called for 16 fouls without a yellow card. 

3.   The Crew got a number of younger players valuable experience Wednesday. Homegrown forward Chase Adams, who just turned 18, scored his debut goal for the First Team in the 77th minute of the match. Homegrown defender Owen Presthus tallied his first assist in his first start. Crew 2 midfielder Kevin Gbamblé made his First Team debut, entering in the 75th minute.