News Summary
FC Cincinnati is poised to face Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs at TQL Stadium. Recognized as the second-best team in the league, FC Cincinnati looks to draw on its history against Columbus Crew in this ‘Hell is Real’ derby. With significant stakes and a Best-of-3 format, every match is crucial as fans rally behind their teams. Key players like Diego Rossi and Evander will be pivotal as both squads battle through injuries and inconsistent performances this season.
Cincinnati is set to host an exciting MLS playoff showdown as FC Cincinnati faces off against Columbus Crew in the first round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Scheduled for October 27, 2025, the match will take place at TQL Stadium and marks a crucial moment in the ongoing “Hell is Real” derby, highlighting the fierce rivalry between the two Ohio teams.
FC Cincinnati has secured the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference and is recognized as the second-best team across the league for these playoffs, having qualified for the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. This playoff series will feature a Best-of-3 format, with FC Cincinnati hosting Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 3, while Game 2 will occur at Lower.Com Field in Columbus.
The significance of this matchup is heightened by the historical rivalry, which has seen various thrilling encounters between the teams. Previous playoffs have demonstrated that winning the first game is vital, with statistics suggesting an 87% chance of advancing for teams that secure a Game 1 victory. The current series format ensures that there will be no draws; any match tied after the standard 90 minutes will head directly into penalty shootouts.
FC Cincinnati players are expressing their readiness for the playoffs, with key players recognizing the importance of detail and focus as they approach the “early final.” The team’s record stands at 4-8-6 against Columbus Crew, which includes a 0-1-1 record this season. Notably, FC Cincinnati had a memorable upset in 2017 when they defeated Columbus Crew 1-0 in the US Open Cup.
Outside the game statistics, fans are encouraged to participate in the “Orange Out” event, wearing orange to support their team. This stands as a communal rallying point for supporters during a fiercely competitive playoff atmosphere.
The schedule for this playoff series is as follows: Game 1 on October 27 at TQL Stadium, Game 2 on November 2 at Lower.Com Field, and Game 3, if required, on November 8 at TQL Stadium. Both FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew are looking to solidify their playoff runs, underscored by each team’s performance throughout the season.
The Columbus Crew enters this playoff series after experiencing inconsistent performances throughout the season; however, they finished strong on Decision Day. The squad’s fortunes have been bolstered by forward Diego Rossi, the team’s leading scorer with 16 goals, although his availability for the initial playoff match is uncertain due to a hamstring injury.
In contrast, FC Cincinnati’s standout Evander is coming off a remarkable season, recently recognized as a finalist for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP, with a club record of 22 goals. Considering their history of winning closely contested matches, including 16 victories by a solitary goal this season, the team enters the playoffs with confidence. Additionally, FC Cincinnati holds a strong home playoff record of 3-1-1 in recent seasons.
Both teams have seen their rosters impacted by injuries, affecting the availability of several key players. Columbus Crew is known for dominating possession, averaging 58.2% this season, while FC Cincinnati tends to adopt a transition-heavy and physically aggressive playing style under head coach Pat Noonan, contrasting sharply with head coach Wilfried Nancy’s emphasis on ball control.
The “Hell is Real” derby not only intensifies the competition for in-state bragging rights in Ohio but also adds a layer of excitement and tension, especially given the high stakes of the playoffs. Fans and players alike are gearing up for a thrilling encounter that encapsulates the intensity of professional soccer in the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Inter Miami CF Favored to Win MLS Cup
Portland Timbers Advance in MLS Playoffs After Defeating Real Salt Lake
Lionel Messi Named MLS Player of the Month for October
Oklahoma City Thunder Opens NBA Season Against Rockets
Phoenix Mercury’s Bold Comeback to WNBA Finals
FC Cincinnati Faces Columbus Crew in MLS Playoffs
MLS Cup Playoffs Kick Off with Wild Card Matches
Injury Report and Suspensions for Matchday 33 in MLS
Battle for MLS MVP Heats Up as Decision Day Approaches
Portland Timbers Prepare for Crucial Match Against San Diego FC
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
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
