News Summary
Major League Soccer has announced the schedule for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Round One, featuring a best-of-3 series between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew. The first game is set for October 27 at TQL Stadium, with tickets available online. The matchup sees FC Cincinnati coming off a strong regular season finish as the No. 2 seed, while Columbus Crew enters as the No. 7 seed. The series promises intense competition, as each match will determine a clear winner without ties.
Cincinnati – Major League Soccer has unveiled the complete schedule for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One, highlighting a best-of-3 series between FC Cincinnati, the No. 2 seed, and the No. 7 seed Columbus Crew. The series promises excitement for local fans, with FC Cincinnati hosting Games 1 and 3, if necessary, at their home ground, TQL Stadium.
Game 1 will kick off on Monday, October 27, at 6:45 p.m. ET. Tickets are currently available for purchase through the FC Cincinnati website. For those unable to attend in person, the match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1, as well as on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and Fox Deportes. Local radio coverage will be provided in English on iHeart Fox Sports 1360 and in Spanish on La Mega 101.5 FM.
Following Game 1, the teams will travel to Columbus for Game 2, scheduled for Sunday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Fans will also be able to tune in to this game on MLS Season Pass, with radio coverage remaining consistent to the first game. Should the series require a third match, Game 3 will return to TQL Stadium on Saturday, November 8, with the exact time to be determined.
Importantly, each match in this first round will have a clear winner, as there are no ties or aggregate scoring allowed. Should a game end in a draw after the typical regulation time, the winner will be decided through penalty kicks without any extra time.
The team that first wins two matches in this series will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, edging closer to the ultimate goal of competing for the MLS Cup, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 6. Throughout the playoff rounds, all matches will be accessible via the MLS Season Pass, which will be free for Apple TV subscribers.
In preparation for the launch of the playoffs, there will be a special Playoffs Launch Party at MadTree Parks & Rec in Blue Ash on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. This gathering will provide fans with an opportunity to celebrate their team and engage with fellow supporters.
The playoffs come after a strong performance from FC Cincinnati during the regular season, where they secured the No. 2 seed by defeating the Montreal Impact 3-0 on Decision Day. Columbus Crew claimed their position as the No. 7 seed with a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls.
This matchup marks a significant moment for both teams as they enter the playoffs with contrasting recent performances. FC Cincinnati is riding a wave of momentum with four wins in their last five matches, while Columbus Crew has managed only one win during the same period. Furthermore, the last postseason encounter between these two teams was in 2023 when Columbus emerged victorious with a score of 3-2 after extra time.
Historically, the rivalry has proven competitive, with FC Cincinnati struggling this season against Columbus, managing just one victory alongside a draw in their two regular-season matchups. As both teams gear up for this spirited playoff showdown, the stakes are high, and fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling series.
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