News Summary
FC Cincinnati will face Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The best-of-three series starts at TQL Stadium, with all games requiring a clear winner. Cincinnati holds the No. 2 seed and will look to capitalize on home advantage. With a consistent performance in recent matches, they aim to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Fans can catch all games on various broadcasting platforms, with local radio options also available.
Cincinnati Hosts First Game in 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Series
Cincinnati, Ohio — The Audi 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Playoffs have officially announced the schedule for the first round of the playoffs, featuring a best-of-three series between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew. The series will determine which team advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with all games played under a format requiring a clear winner in each match.
Match Schedule and Venue Details
FC Cincinnati, the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, will host the series opener and potentially the third match if necessary. The series begins on Monday, October 27, at 6:45 p.m. ET, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Tickets for this game are available online and can be purchased through the team’s official website.
The second game will be hosted by Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on Sunday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET. If the series remains tied after these two matches, a decisive third game will be held at TQL Stadium on Saturday, November 8, with the kickoff time to be determined. This final game will be hosted by Cincinnati, providing them with home-field advantage, should it be needed.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
All games in this best-of-three series will be broadcast on multiple platforms. Game 1 will be available on Fox Sports 1, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and Fox Deportes. Fans can also listen to local radio broadcasts for Game 1 on iHeart Fox Sports 1360 (English) and La Mega 101.5 FM (Spanish).
Similarly, Game 2 will be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and local radio coverage will continue on the same stations. The third game, if necessary, will also be available through the same channels, with the exact kickoff time to be announced closer to the date.
Match Format and Tie-Breaker Rules
Every game in the first round will have a definitive winner; no matches will end in a tie or be decided by aggregate scores. If a game is tied at the end of regulation, the winner will be decided through a penalty shootout. No extra time will be played in any of the matches. The team that wins two matches in the series will advance to the next stage of the playoffs.
Path to the Conference Semifinals and Additional Details
The first team to win two matches in the series will move forward to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Throughout the playoffs, every match will be available on MLS Season Pass, which is offered free of charge for Apple TV subscribers.
The overall schedule culminates with the MLS Cup final, scheduled for Saturday, December 6. Fans interested in celebrating the beginning of the postseason are encouraged to attend a Playoffs Launch Party at MadTree Parks & Rec in Blue Ash, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22.
Team Performances and Historical Context
FC Cincinnati earned their No. 2 seed following a 3-0 victory over Montreal in the final matchday, securing a strong position in the postseason. The team has faced challenges against Columbus earlier this season, with a record of one win, no losses, and one draw in their two meetings. Cincinnati has shown improved form lately, securing four wins in their last five matches prior to the playoffs.
Columbus Crew claimed the No. 7 seed after a 3-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls. Their recent form has been less consistent, with only one win in five matches leading into the playoffs. The last postseason matchup between these two teams was in 2023, where Columbus secured a 3-2 victory after extra time, illustrating the competitive history between them.
Summary
This first-round matchup promises an intense and decisive series with no room for ties, emphasizing the importance of each game. Fans in Cincinnati and Columbus will have multiple viewing options, both on television and radio, to follow their teams’ quest for the MLS Cup. With the playoffs commencing soon and the final scheduled for December, both teams seek to maximize their chances in this critical stage of the season.
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