FC Cincinnati Hosts Columbus Crew in ‘Hell Is Real’ MLS Playoffs Opener

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FC Cincinnati Hosts Columbus Crew in ‘Hell Is Real’ MLS Playoffs Opener

FC Cincinnati will face off against Columbus Crew in the first game of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. This highly anticipated matchup is known as the “Hell Is Real” derby and kicks off on Monday at TQL Stadium. The game is set to start at 6:45 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming on AppleTV and FS1.

Key Matchup Details

Date: Monday, TBD
Location: TQL Stadium
Teams: FC Cincinnati (20-9-5, 65 pts) vs. Columbus Crew (14-8-12, 54 pts)
Match Type: Round One Best-of-3 series

The Importance of Game One

Game One is crucial for both teams. Historically, teams winning the first game of a Best-of-3 series in Major League Soccer have advanced in 14 out of 16 instances since the playoff format was introduced in 2023. The focus for FC Cincinnati is on the details that can decide the game.

Players to Watch

FC Cincinnati features a potent attacking trio: Evander, Kévin Denkey, and Brenner. Their ability to create scoring opportunities will be vital for the team’s success. Miles Robinson emphasized the need for every player to perform at their best for a greater chance of victory.

Strategies and Strengths

Grind and Resilience

FC Cincinnati has shown resilience throughout the season, winning 16 matches by a single goal. This ability to secure tight wins puts them in a favorable position for the playoffs. Head Coach Pat Noonan believes that their disciplined approach enables the team to perform under pressure.

Positional Play Against Columbus

Columbus Crew is known for its possession game, averaging 58.2% possession during the regular season. FC Cincinnati aims to disrupt this strategy by taking control of the ball. Historical data shows Columbus struggles when they have less than 50% possession, indicating a potential path to victory for FC Cincinnati.

Understanding Each Other

Both teams possess a robust understanding of each other’s playing styles, making adaptations essential. Coach Noonan highlighted that possession statistics don’t always tell the complete story. It is vital for Cincinnati to find opportunities to counter and attack effectively.

Conclusion

As FC Cincinnati prepares for this intense playoff matchup against Columbus Crew, maintaining focus and discipline will be key. With the stakes high in this Hell Is Real clash, fans can expect a fiercely competitive atmosphere as both teams vie for early dominance in the series.