CINCINNATI – The Columbus Crew paid a third visit to TQL Stadium in 2025, this time in a decisive do-or-die matchup to complete their Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoff Round 1 series against in-state rivals FC Cincinnati. 

Physicality took center stage at the start of the match, with both teams looking to send a message to each other. Darlington Nagbe was the victim of being undercut twice by FCC star Evander, but referee Chris Penso would wave play on. 

Both teams had their chances in the first half, taking seven shots each, but none found the back of the net. 

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy had to turn to his bench early, bringing on Jacen Russell-Rowe for Taha Habroune just before halftime. 

The Black & Gold had a flurry of corner kicks, but none that would result in a positive threat as the halftime whistle blew. 

Cincinnati started the second half on the front foot, putting pressure on Columbus with their dynamic attack, which also involved Ender Ehchenique. The Crew stood tall to deny the Orange and Blue from getting on the board, but knew they needed to do better in not allowing Cincinnati to gain those chances. 

The Crew had a good chance in the 57th minute, when Russell-Rowe clipped in a ball towards the center of the box for Hugo Picard. The header was on target, but goalkeeper Roman Celentano was able to make himself big and make the save. 

Columbus got on the board first, with Patrick Schulte finding Andres Herrera on a long ball. Herrera took his space and found Russell-Rowe making a straight run through the center of the box. His one-touch finish found the top of the net past Celentano, giving Columbus the edge. 

Just minutes later, Cincinnati converted on a corner kick, with Brenner hammering home the loose ball in the six-yard box to send TQL Stadium into ecstasy. 

FCC was given a free kick in the 82nd minute, when Max Arfsten fouled Ayoub Jabbari just outside of the penalty area. Luca Orellano took the kick, but put his shot on the side netting to Schulte’s left. 

Cincinnati controlled the remainder of the second half after their equalizer, getting on the board again through Brenner in the 86th minute, converting on a pass from Samuel Gidi. Columbus, now needing one goal to save their season, found themselves with their back against the wall. 

Columbus nearly got their equalizer early on in stoppage time as Russell-Rowe sent a pass across the face of the goal, but Yevhen Cheberko couldn’t get on the end of the pass. 

Despite multiple efforts, Cincinnati would hold on to its one-goal lead, knocking the Crew out of the playoffs.

The Orange and Blue will take on the winners of Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC—the road for Columbus and Darlington Nagbe finishes.