For the loyal Orange & Blue faithful, tonight’s matchup is everything. The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs open with a high-stakes clash between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew — and not just any game: it’s the storied Hell Is Real, but now ramped up into postseason intensity, something Cincinnati rarely gets to endure. Subscribe to our Newsletter by using the popup or the form below!
Here’s a deep dive into what this means for FC Cincinnati fans, what to expect, and how the team can seize control of this rivalry-filled best-of-three series.
Why This Match Matters for FC Cincinnati
- Postseason access & momentum – FC Cincinnati earned a top seed (2nd in the East) and avoided the wild-card round. This was, perhaps, controversial to some fans due to the nature of having to host Columbus Crew in round 1.
- Rivalry enriched – This matchup with Columbus isn’t just regular season. The rivalry has history, flame and stakes. Notated primarily over the infamous sign off I-75, “Hell Is Real.”
- Home field advantage – Game 1 at TQL Stadium sets the tone. Win this, and you double your chances at advancing. There will be 26,000 fans or more, Monday or not. Work on Tuesday will suck, but a win will make it better. This best of 3 marks what will be a crazy week in Ohio sports.
- Execution – In the playoffs, small details & discipline matter more than ever, the club has not been good at executing late in games which is why they don’t have a championship trophy in their case. Teams have been plenty good enough, this year, it must change.
Intensity, pressure & setting the tone
FC Cincinnati and everyone else know that in a best of 3, winning Game 1 dramatically ups the probability of advancing. They’ll face a Columbus team that historically raises its level of game when it matters — so FC Cincinnati must be sharp start to finish.
Possession vs Transition
Columbus Crew lead in possession metrics — averaging 58 % of the ball this season. FC Cincinnati have to disrupt their rhythm: big, physical defense, press, transition opportunities. The front trio of Evander / Kévin Denkey / Brenner must be ready.
Home crowd + atmosphere = extra edge
The “Orange Out” crowd at TQL Stadium will bring the pressure. FC Cincinnati gear, rally towels, pre-match show — all designed to elevate the team’s level. We don’t need to talk about the pre-game march heard all across downtown.
Unfinished business + rivalry fuel
The last time these clubs met deep in the playoffs (2023 Eastern Conference Final), FC Cincinnati had a 2-0 lead, only for the Crew to rally. That stinging memory looms – that’s when we began to question…is our other professional team much like the others? We need them to show us different this week.
Players To Keep An Eye On
- Evander – Primary creator for FC Cincinnati, starred this season. Will likely be considered for MVP at the end of the season.
- Kévin Denkey & Brenner – The two alongside Evander form the front-three FC Cincinnati will lean on to break down Columbus.
- Miles Robinson – Defensive leader; his presence will matter when Columbus apply sustained pressure.
- Columbus’s injured key players – Perhaps the biggest news of this matchup coming up, the Crew’s forward depth is affected by injuries (Diego Rossi out). FC Cincinnati can exploit this with a good attack plan.
What FC Cincinnati Must Do to Win This Series
- Start fast and dictate tempo — don’t let Columbus settle into their possession game.
- Stay disciplined — no sloppy turnovers, stay tight defensively, especially against set pieces where Columbus could exploit their gaps.
- Capitalize on chances — in playoff matches, one goal can swing momentum. FC Cincinnati have shown they can grind out 1-goal wins. We know this match is always, always close.
- Leverage home crowd — feed off the energy, use it to pressure the opposition and silence their rhythm. The Cincinnati faithful must stay loud, no matter the score. Energy has to be there.
- Control the narrative — since Columbus historically have had the upper hand in this derby (overall record) – FC Cincinnati must flip that script.
Fan & Game Day Experience
- Kickoff: Oct 27, 6:45 p.m. ET at TQL Stadium.
- Wear orange for the Orange Out theme. Gather early, soak in the pre-match fan festivities, March in the Park, etc.
- Watching remotely? Stream via Apple TV, FS1, FOX Deportes.
