A well earned week off for the Columbus Crew saw them return back home to Lower.com Field against their in-stat rival FC Cincinnati in the first edition of the Hell Is Real Derby in 2024. FC Cincinnati looked for revenge after dropping a 2-0 lead in the 2023 Eastern Conference Final which saw Columbus comeback to win 3-2 after extra time. Meanwhile, Columbus entered fresh, with their last league match seeing the Black & Gold play to a 0-0 draw against CF Montreal just two weeks ago.

FC Cincinnati had a chance early on in the second minute when Yuya Kubo got on the end of a corner kick from Luciano Acosta, but sent the ball high over the net and into the stands.

Columbus had a good chance to break the deadlock in the 16th minute when Cucho Hernandez found Alex Matan running into space towards goal. Matan would return the favor with a cross towards the Colombian forward, but Hernandez couldn’t get on the end of the ball.

In the 23rd minute, Diego Rossi received a pass from Hernandez waiting at the back post. The ensuing one-timed shot from the Uruguyan ricocheted off of the post and out for a goal kick. The chances were building for the Crew, but the home side just couldn’t find the back of the net so far.

Just minutes later, Columbus were awarded a free kick after Matan was fouled just outside of the 18-yard box. Hernandez stood over the free kick, but the chance was sent right into the hands of Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

In the ladder stages of first half stoppage time, Kubo was found alone in on goal against Patrick Schulte. The shot by the Cincinnati forward was saved by Schulte, sending both teams into the half knotted at 0-0.

Columbus started the second half on the front foot, gaining a valuable opportunity in the 49th minute when Steven Moreira crossed the ball towards Rossi. The header attempt hit off of the crossbar and out. The chance signified that Columbus were determined to make the second half theirs.

The Crew wanted a penalty in the 52nd minute when Matan was dispossessed by Acosta inside the penalty box, but the official waved play on and no foul was given.

Aidan Morris nearly opened the scoring in the 60th minute when his shot just missed the far post passed an outstretched Celentano.

Cincinnati had their first solid chance come in the second half with Gerardo Valenzuela taking a shot from distance that was saved by Schulte.

The visitors broke the ice in the 74th minute, when Acosta dribbled around multiple defenders before sending a high cross to the back post, where Kevin Kelsy awaited and headed the ball home to give the visitors a 0-1 lead. Just two minutes later, Acosta doubled the lead for FC Cincinnati getting around Moreira and curling the ball past Schulte.

Christian Ramirez had the chance to pull Columbus within one, but his header was sent right to Celentano.

The Crew would finally get their goal in the 89th minute through Max Arfsten who finessed his shot into the back of the net passed Celentano.

Although the Crew threw everyone forward, it was not enough as FC Cincinnati got their first win in Columbus by a 1-2 scoreline.

Unbeaten home streak snapped

With the loss to their bitter rivals, Columbus Crew sees their unbeaten home streak come to an end at 18 games, marking it the second longest streak in club history.

Columbus couldn’t match energy

Kevin Kelsy entering for FC Cincinnati changed the game. The visitors had more energy and Kelsy was the game changer. Columbus, however, could not match the energy from their noisy neighbors from the south.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew travel north of the border to take on CF Montreal on Wednesday. Kickoff from Stade Saputo is set for 7:30 p.m. You can watch the match on MLS Seasonpass on Apple TV.