News Summary
FC Cincinnati is set to clash with Columbus Crew in the opening round of the Major League Soccer Cup Playoffs at TQL Stadium. As the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference, FC Cincinnati comes into the match with strong determination. The rivalry, known as the “Hell is Real” derby, adds intensity to this playoff series. With historical statistics favoring the winner of Game 1, both teams aim to leverage their strategies for an intense battle in this crucial encounter.
Cincinnati is poised for an intense showdown as FC Cincinnati prepares to face the Columbus Crew in the first round of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Playoffs. This upcoming match is scheduled for October 27, 2025, at TQL Stadium, marking the start of their playoff journey. FC Cincinnati stands as the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference and in all of MLS, highlighting their strong performance throughout the season.
The playoff series against the Crew will follow a Best-of-3 format, with FC Cincinnati hosting Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 3, while Game 2 will take place at Lower.Com Field in Columbus. Known as the “Hell is Real” derby, this rivalry has built a competitive atmosphere between both teams, making the stakes even higher for this playoff series.
FC Cincinnati is coming into the playoffs with a strong sense of readiness. The team’s defender, Miles Robinson, expressed confidence in their preparations, while midfielder Evander framed the upcoming match as an “early final,” urging the need for detail and focus as they look to advance. The playoff format ensures that there will be no ties; games that remain deadlocked after 90 minutes will go directly to a penalty shootout.
Historically, winning Game 1 holds significant importance, with statistics showing that 87% of teams that secure victory in the first match typically move on in the playoffs. Looking at past encounters, FC Cincinnati has experienced mixed results against Columbus Crew, holding an all-time record of 4-8-6, including a 0-1-1 record this season. Notably, FC Cincinnati secured a memorable upset in a 2017 US Open Cup match by defeating Columbus Crew 1-0.
In terms of team performance, FC Cincinnati has established a knack for narrowly winning games, achieving 16 single-goal victories throughout the season. On the other hand, Columbus Crew has seen inconsistency, managing a solid finish during Decision Day but struggling at various points in the season. The Crew’s top scorer, Diego Rossi, who has netted 16 goals this season, is currently facing uncertainty concerning his availability for the first leg of the playoffs due to a hamstring injury.
Another notable aspect of the upcoming matchup is each team’s playing style. Columbus Crew head coach, Wilfried Nancy, emphasizes possession-based soccer, while FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan adopts a transition-heavy, physically aggressive approach. The contrasting strategies add another layer of intrigue to the already heated rivalry.
Fans are encouraged to participate in the excitement by wearing orange for the “Orange Out” event at TQL Stadium during Game 1. The ongoing passion for the “Hell is Real” derby encapsulates the fierce competition for in-state bragging rights in Ohio, akin to rivalries seen in various sports.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for November 2, 2025, at Columbus, with a potential Game 3 set for November 8, 2025, at TQL Stadium, if necessary. FC Cincinnati has a commendable home playoff record of 3-1-1 in their recent playoff history, affirming their ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
With both teams navigating injury challenges that have influenced key players’ availability, the excitement and tension surrounding this rivalry are expected to intensify. As FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew prepare to face off, the playoff stakes could not be higher for both teams, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter in the “Hell is Real” derby.
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Additional Resources
- FC Cincinnati Official Website
- Wikipedia: Major League Soccer
- Fox Sports
- Google Search: FC Cincinnati
- Cincinnati.com
- Google Scholar: FC Cincinnati
- MLS Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FC Cincinnati
- Khel Now
- Google News: Columbus Crew
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