In true derby fashion, the Columbus Crew faced off against FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Final for a third edition of the Hell Is Real rivalry this season. Cincinnati took a 2-0 lead in the first half at TQL Stadium, but the Crew battled back to tie the game and earn a 3-2 extra-time win.

Columbus started out on the right foot, controlling the game and managing ball possession within the first quarter hour.

However, it was the home side that got the scoring started in the 14th minute when Mo Farsi turned the ball over in the Columbus defensive zone. Aaron Boupendza collected to find Brandon Vazquez inside the penalty box, finishing with a shot off of his left foot and past Crew keeper Patrick Schulte.

FC Cincinnati came alive after the goal, making Columbus play to their liking. The home side started to control possession and generate chances, but nothing came of the opportunities. Columbus found their footing, reclaiming much of the ball and creating chances of their own. A plethora of shots in the 18th minute for the Crew saw a majority of them blocked by Cincinnati defenders.

The Crew’s best chance came in the 36th minute when Steven Moreira attacked the penalty area before finding Cucho Hernandez with a one-time shot, but Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano came up huge with a save.

Cincinnati doubled their lead just before halftime when Luciano Acosta directed a free-kick shot to the far post that caught Schulte off guard. Cincinnati, with all the momentum, carried their 2-0 lead into the half, making Columbus come out to fight for a result in the second half.

Columbus started the same way they started the game, getting the ball around and controlling the management inside of the FC Cincinnati defensive side.

Schulte was called into action not long into the second half when Boupendza danced around Malte Amundsen and had a shot on goal. Schulte was quick to make the diving stop to his right, conceding a corner kick but keeping the score at 2-0.

In the 67th minute, FC Cincinnati thought they had a third when Boupendza was able to dribble around Schulte and hammer the ball into the back of the net but was then waved off for offside. Minutes later, Boupendza found the back of the net, only for it again to be waved off for handling.

Columbus found life in the 75th minute when Julian Gressel served a ball into the box that found the foot of Cincinnati defender Alvas Powell to put it into the back of the net, giving Columbus hope.

The Black & Gold found the equalizer in the 86th minute when Diego Rossi slotted home the loose ball in the box to bring the Crew level at 2-2, sending the match to extra time.

Columbus dominated the first half of the extra time period, with their best chance coming off of a set piece corner kick. Gressel served in the set piece, with Amundsen on the end of the cross but the attempt ricocheted off of his knee and high over the crossbar.

Christian Ramirez became hero once more when he was able to hammer home a Cucho Hernandez cross, making the game 3-2, giving Columbus the win and host rights for MLS Cup Final.

Superman does it again

Christian Ramirez has scored two game-winners in as many weeks. The forward who made an immediate impact in the semifinal and conference final, has most likely found himself again with the Columbus Crew. The winner against FC Cincinnati was his second winning goal in as many weeks.

Columbus Crew to host MLS Cup Final

With the win, the Columbus Crew have secured hosting rights for MLS Cup Final. The Crew will host the winner of the Western Conference, in either LAFC or the Houston Dynamo.

What’s next

The MLS Cup Final is set for December 9, 2023, from Lower.com Field. Kickoff is slated for 4pm. You can catch the match on MLS SeasonPass on AppleTV and on FOX.