The Columbus Crew take the field this Sunday with their season hanging by a thread. After a 1-0 loss in the first game of the best-of-three series, the Crew must beat FC Cincinnati at Lower.com Field to avoid elimination and keep their title defense alive. The matchup is the latest chapter of “Hell is Real,” a rivalry that burns with intensity. Columbus is fighting to survive, while Cincy arrives with momentum and a chance to knock out their rival on their own turf.
Columbus Crew try to find themselves under pressure
It’s been a roller-coaster season for the Crew. Champions in 2023, they’ve struggled to find the same consistency that defined last year’s run. Columbus has won only two of its last eleven matches against MLS opponents and barely made the postseason, sneaking in on the final day with a victory over the New York Red Bulls.
Still, there’s a trace of that competitive fire that once pushed this team to the top. At home, the Crew have been solid, nine wins, three draws, and five losses at Lower.com Field, and they hold the edge in recent head-to-heads, taking points in four of the last five meetings with Cincinnati, winning three of them.
FC Cincinnati arrive with confidence and emotional control
On the other side, FC Cincinnati come in with the composure of a team that holds the upper hand and the hunger to prove their maturity. They won Game 1 by a 1-0 scoreline thanks to a goal from forward Kévin Denkey in the 78th minute and can clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals with another win.
Pat Noonan’s squad is in strong form, unbeaten in six matches and yet to concede in their last three. Cincy have shown a rare ability to manage tight games, with 16 of their victories this season decided by just one goal. On top of that, they haven’t lost away from home since May and are chasing a breakthrough: a first-ever road playoff win in regulation time.