Key Highlights
- FC Cincinnati faces off against Columbus Crew in the Round One Best-of-3 series of Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
- The matchup is considered one of Major League Soccer’s fiercest rivalries, often referred to as “Hell is Real.”
- Since 2023, teams winning the first game of their Best-of-3 series have advanced 14 out of 16 times in playoff history.
- FC Cincinnati has a strong track record for playing under pressure, having won 16 games by one goal this season.
The “Hell is Real” Rivalry: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew
In the opening match of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, FC Cincinnati will face a formidable opponent in the form of the Columbus Crew. Known for their intense and often fiery rivalry, this matchup has been dubbed “Hell is Real.” The stakes are high as both teams vie for advancement to subsequent rounds.
Key Strategies for Success
Attention to Detail: FC Cincinnati’s players emphasize the importance of attention to detail in playoff matches. Coach Pat Noonan highlighted that every game this year is played on a razor’s edge, and even small details can determine success or failure. Leaders like Miles Robinson stress the need for everyone to play at their best, recognizing these are crucial moments worth fighting for.
Controlling Possession: Columbus Crew dominate possession with an average of 58.2% across all matches in 2025.
However, when they fail to maintain control, their performance often falters. FC Cincinnati aims to disrupt this by keeping the ball away from the Crew’s feet, as demonstrated in games where they failed to reach or exceed 50% possession.
Resilience and Endurance
Digging In Against Adversity: This season, FC Cincinnati has shown remarkable resilience under pressure. They have won many close matches by a single goal, with head coach Pat Noonan crediting this tenacity as an edge in playoff games. The team’s ability to handle difficult moments and push through adversity is seen as crucial for success.
Coach Noonan explained that while possession statistics are important, they do not always tell the whole story. He emphasized the importance of being disciplined and organized in how they defend and attack, ensuring they remain in control even when their opponents have more ball possession.
Past Performances and Future Prospects
The teams’ history suggests that success hinges on executing at the highest level during these critical playoff matches. With two or three additional games to be played, FC Cincinnati faces a significant challenge but remain confident in their chances based on past experiences against Columbus Crew.
Players like Evander and Miles Robinson believe that by focusing on themselves and playing as a united group, they can overcome the pressure of this high-stakes encounter. The upcoming series promises to be an intense battle, with both teams aiming to outperform each other in every aspect of play.
The opening match is scheduled for 6:45 p.m., available to stream on Apple TV and FS1. This first game sets the stage for what could be a thrilling Best-of-3 series, with all eyes on how these fierce rivals will perform against each other in this pivotal moment of Major League Soccer history.
