News Summary
FC Cincinnati has secured the #2 seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs, preparing for a rivalry match against Columbus Crew in the ‘Hell is Real’ derby. The playoffs feature a Best-of-3 series format, starting at TQL Stadium. Both teams aim for victory amidst the regional intensity and historical significance of their matchups. With key players like Evander performing well, the stakes are high as fans gear up for the action, wearing orange to support their home team. The outcome could set the tone for the playoffs as both teams battle for progression.
FC Cincinnati Prepares for “Hell is Real” Derby in 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
Cincinnati, Ohio — FC Cincinnati has secured its place in the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Playoffs, marking their fourth consecutive postseason appearance. The team is currently the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference and across all MLS teams, setting the stage for a high-stakes rivalry match against the Columbus Crew.
Playoff Format and Key Dates
The opening round features a Best-of-3 series format. The series begins on October 27, 2025, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, where FC Cincinnati will host the first game, deemed crucial for their progression. Should the series extend, Game 2 will be played at Lower.Com Field in Columbus on November 2, 2025. If necessary, a decisive Game 3 will be held on November 8, 2025, back at TQL Stadium. In this format, matches that are tied after 90 minutes will proceed directly to a penalty shootout, with no possibility of a draw.
The “Hell is Real” Rivalry
The matchup between these two Ohio-based teams is known as the “Hell is Real” derby, a fierce rivalry that has intensified over recent seasons. The contest not only determines playoff progression but also fuels regional bragging rights. Historically, the teams have had close contests, including a notable 1-0 upset victory by FC Cincinnati in the 2017 US Open Cup. Their all-time record against Columbus stands at 4 wins, 8 losses, and 6 draws, with Cincinnati having gone 0-1-1 against the Crew in the current season.
Teams’ Current Form and Key Players
FC Cincinnati enters the playoffs in strong form, with recent performances emphasizing their resilience in tight situations. The team has specialized in winning narrow matches, securing 16 victories by a single goal this season. One of the standout players is midfielder Evander, who recently was a finalist for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award and set a club record with 22 goals. Defenders and midfielders are focused and motivated, with team members emphasizing the importance of detail and focus during the series.
Columbus Crew’s season has been marked by inconsistency, with the team finishing strong on Decision Day to qualify for the playoffs. The Crew’s top scorer, Diego Rossi, who has netted 16 goals, faces uncertainty for the first game due to a hamstring injury. The team’s playing style is characterized by high possession rates, averaging 58.2%, driven by a possession-focused approach led by head coach Wilfried Nancy. In contrast, FC Cincinnati under head coach Pat Noonan favors a transition-heavy, physically aggressive style of play.
Player and Fan Engagement
Fans are encouraged to participate by wearing orange at TQL Stadium for the “Orange Out” event, supporting their home team in the opening match. The series is expected to produce high tension and excitement, especially given the rivalry’s history and the playoff stakes involved. Both rosters have faced injury challenges, affecting key players’ availability and adding an extra layer of uncertainty to the series.
Implications and Expectations
The outcome of the series is pivotal, with winning Game 1 particularly significant—teams that take the first game have historically had an 87% chance of advancing. Both teams are motivated by regional pride and the desire to progress further in the tournament. The legs of the “Hell is Real” derby will thus play a central role in shaping the early rounds of the 2025 MLS playoffs, with fans eager to watch the rivalry unfold in the postseason setting.
As the series kicks off, the focus remains on strategic play, player performances, and the intense atmosphere that comes with high-stakes playoff soccer. The matchups will not only test team resilience but also deepen the historic rivalry that fuels Ohio’s soccer passions.
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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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