St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Bürki was hospitalized after being stretchered off during the U.S. Open Cup final against the Columbus Crew on Oct. 21, 2026, according to Bleacher Report. The injury happened when Columbus forward Anass Zaroury’s knee struck Bürki in the head as the goalkeeper attempted a save near the left post during the match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, per Yahoo Sports.
Bürki was carted off the field but waved to the crowd as he was taken away, according to FOX Sports. He was hospitalized following the collision, Bleacher Report reported.
What The Reports Say About Bürki’s Status
Yahoo Sports reported the collision happened in the 69th minute of the final. FOX Sports reported that backup goalkeeper Ben Lundt entered the match in the 78th minute after Bürki went down. No source has provided a diagnosis, a severity assessment or a timeline for Bürki’s return.
Neither St. Louis City nor Bürki has issued a public statement on his condition.
Who Replaced Bürki In Goal
Lundt came on in relief of Bürki for the remainder of the U.S. Open Cup final. FOX Sports reported that Lundt made a key save during the penalty shootout as St.
Louis City went on to beat the Crew for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title. With Bürki’s status unclear, Lundt’s performance in the shootout immediately became part of the club’s championship run.
Bürki’s Season Before The Injury
Bürki had started 28 matches for St. Louis City in the 2026 MLS season before the final, according to Bleacher Report. He allowed 39 goals while recording 74 saves and four clean sheets across the league campaign.
In the U.S. Open Cup, Bürki made five starts and posted two clean sheets in his previous four appearances before the injury in the final.
Those numbers made Bürki St. Louis City’s primary option in net for most of the year, a workload that shifted abruptly to Lundt in the closing stages of the biggest match of the season.
What’s Next For Bürki And St. Louis City
No official update on Bürki’s condition or a potential return date has been released. St. Louis City’s next move in net, whether Bürki or Lundt starts, will depend on information the club has not yet made public.
The team’s status atop the MLS Western Conference standings adds weight to any decision about his health, especially given the club’s push this season that included a 21-game unbeaten run and an earlier stretch covered when the unbeaten streak reached 17 games. Further details on Bürki’s health are expected once the club or medical staff release a statement.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
