News Summary
FC Cincinnati has secured a playoff spot and will compete against in-state rivals Columbus Crew in the ‘Hell is Real’ derby. With a best-of-3 format and heightened stakes, both teams aim to claim victory. Cincinnati, entering the playoffs with strong home performances, will face Columbus amid a fierce rivalry and strategic battles. Key players and tactical approaches will significantly influence the series as fans gear up for the exciting showdown at TQL Stadium and beyond.
FC Cincinnati Prepares for Critical Playoff Match Against Columbus Crew in “Hell is Real” Derby
Cincinnati, Ohio — FC Cincinnati has officially secured its spot in the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Playoffs, marking the fourth consecutive season the club has qualified for the postseason. Holding the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference and the entire MLS bracket, Cincinnati is set to face its notorious in-state rivals, the Columbus Crew, in an opening round matchup starting October 27, 2025.
Playoff Format and Match Details
The upcoming series features a Best-of-3 format, a recent adjustment for the opening phase of the playoffs, with no possibility of draws. In this format, if a match is tied after 90 minutes, the game advances directly to a penalty shootout. Cincinnati will host Game 1 at TQL Stadium on October 27, with the potential of hosting Game 3 if necessary. Game 2 will take place on November 2 at Lower.com Field in Columbus, with a third game scheduled for November 8.
Rivalry Significance: The “Hell is Real” Derby
This playoff series revives the fierce intra-state rivalry between Cincinnati and Columbus, known as the “Hell is Real” derby. The rivalry has historically heightened tensions and excitement, with both fanbases eager to claim bragging rights in Ohio. The upcoming matches are expected to generate high energy and fierce competition, especially given the stakes of advancing in the postseason.
Team Outlook and Player Perspectives
FC Cincinnati enters the playoffs with confidence, buoyed by strong recent performances at home, boasting a playoff home record of 3-1-1. The team’s key players are in good form, including Evander, a former finalist for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, who set a club record this season with 22 goals. Defender Miles Robinson and midfielders are expressing readiness and anticipation for the playoff challenge.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew displays an inconsistent season, with some struggles but a solid finish on Decision Day. The team’s top scorer, Diego Rossi, who has scored 16 goals, is uncertain for the first game due to a hamstring injury, which could impact their offensive capabilities. The team relies on a possession-heavy style, with coach Wilfried Nancy emphasizing control of the game, often maintaining an average possession of 58.2% this season.
Strategic and Historical Context
The coaches highlight contrasting tactical philosophies, with Cincinnati’s coach Pat Noonan favoring a transition-heavy and physically aggressive approach, while Columbus’ coach Wilfried Nancy emphasizes careful possession and control. Historically, FC Cincinnati has been effective in close games, winning 16 matches by a single goal this season. Despite an all-time record against Columbus of 4-8-6, Cincinnati defeated Columbus in the 2017 US Open Cup with a notable 1-0 upset.
Key Factors and Expectations
Winning the first game is considered especially crucial for progression, with data indicating that approximately 87% of teams winning Game 1 advance to the next round. Both teams’ rosters have been affected by injuries, impacting key players’ availability and potentially influencing the series outcome. Fans are encouraged to participate in the “Orange Out” event at TQL Stadium, wearing orange to support Cincinnati at home.
In addition to player form and tactical approaches, possession dominance and closely contested match history will influence the series. Both teams will closely scrutinize their game plan and execution, with tensions and excitement likely to run high in this crucial playoff confrontation.
Upcoming Schedule
- Game 1: October 27, 2025, at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
- Game 2: November 2, 2025, at Lower.com Field, Columbus
- Game 3 (if necessary): November 8, 2025
As the “Hell is Real” derby kicks off the playoffs, both Cincinnati and Columbus aim to progress in hopes of continuing their pursuit of the 2025 MLS Cup title amid heightened rivalry, strategic battle, and playoff intensity.
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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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