The Columbus Crew came up just short in Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup Final against St. Louis City SC, falling in a shootout after neither club could score during regulation. St. Louis outshot the Black & Gold 5-3 in the penalty kicks round to capture the Cup. Here are our three takeaways from Wednesday’s match:

1.    The Crew have been on the pitch constantly, playing four matches in the last 12 days. How did interim head coach Laurent Courtois feel about the tough loss Wednesday? “Really sad for the guys because, as you said, it goes to extra time and what they were able to provide in terms of content and effort, and two days after what we had to do at Cincinnati on Sunday was brutal. Disappointed for the guys. We believe they deserve better.” 

2.   St. Louis goalkeeper Ben Lundt made one save in the shootout that gave his squad the win (the Crew didn’t take their final penalty because it wouldn’t have made a difference). Lundt was installed into the match after starter Roman Burki was injured in a collision with Crew midfielder Anass Zaroury in the 69th minute. 

3.   Columbus now has four MLS contests left in the season to try to make the playoffs. Sean Zawadzki weighed in. “It’s a little bit tough, very disappointing about tonight when you have chance to win a trophy, especially at home. Very sad, but like I said, tomorrow is another day. So we know we have four finals. We play at home against Toronto (FC). Will be a very, very big game. So we have to be very strong in the head.”