News Summary
FC Cincinnati prepares for a heated playoff matchup against rival Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The highly anticipated ‘Hell is Real’ derby will see FC Cincinnati aiming for a strong start at TQL Stadium, having secured the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. With a compelling playoff format locking teams into a best-of-three series, every game matters. Historical stats show that winning Game 1 greatly increases the chances of progressing. As both teams gear up amidst player conditions, an electric atmosphere is expected from supporters.
Cincinnati is preparing for an intense playoff clash as FC Cincinnati is set to face their fierce rivals, Columbus Crew, in the first round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. This match, part of the highly anticipated “Hell is Real” derby, will kick off on October 27, 2025, at TQL Stadium. FC Cincinnati, who has qualified for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, secured the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference, making them the second-best team across the league for this postseason.
The playoff format will feature a best-of-three series to determine which team will advance. FC Cincinnati will host Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 3, while Game 2 will take place at Lower.Com Field in Columbus. The series format eliminates the possibility of draws; if a match ends in a tie after the standard 90 minutes, it will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.
Winning the first match is historically significant in this playoff format, as approximately 87% of teams that win Game 1 progress to the next round. This fact adds pressure to FC Cincinnati as they aim to better their all-time record against Columbus Crew, which currently stands at 4-8-6, including a 0-1-1 record this season.
The rivalry between the two teams is intense, with previous matchups including a memorable upset by FC Cincinnati in the 2017 US Open Cup, where they defeated Columbus Crew 1-0. As both teams gear up for this critical series, the atmosphere is expected to be electric at TQL Stadium, where fans are encouraged to participate in the “Orange Out” event by donning their team’s colors.
FC Cincinnati has shown consistent performance this season, particularly in closely contested matches, winning 16 games by a single goal. Their roster has seen standout performances, with Evander leading the way after becoming a finalist for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award and establishing a club record of 22 goals this season. Furthermore, defender Miles Robinson expressed the team’s excitement and readiness for the playoff challenge ahead.
On the opposing side, Columbus Crew’s journey has been marked by inconsistency, although they finished strong on Decision Day. Diego Rossi, the Crew’s top scorer with 16 goals, is facing uncertainty regarding his availability for the first match due to a hamstring injury. The Crew has averaged a possession rate of 58.2% this season, which poses a strategic challenge for FC Cincinnati, whose coach, Pat Noonan, has instilled a transition-heavy, aggressive playing style designed to leverage their physicality.
This matchup is more than just a playoff game; it’s the continuation of a fierce rivalry for in-state bragging rights in Ohio. With both teams making adjustments due to injuries to key players, the stakes only heighten. For FC Cincinnati, their strong home playoff record rests at 3-1-1 in recent postseason history, offering a promising foundation as they embark on this playoff journey.
Game 2 of the series is slated for November 2, 2025, in Columbus, and a potential Game 3 will take place on November 8, 2025, if needed. As the teams prepare, fans on both sides eagerly await the kickoff, anticipating a thrilling encounter as FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew battle for a chance at MLS Cup glory.
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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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