Watch FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew LIVE: Playoff Clash, Highlights & Scoreboard ⚽

FC Cincinnati head to Columbus with a 1–0 lead in this best-of-three series after grinding out a 1–0 victory at TQL Stadium. A win of any kind — in regulation or penalties — will send the Orange & Blue to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. For the Crew, it’s win or go home, as a second straight defeat would end their title defense. The first round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs features a best-of-three format, with no extra time — if a match is tied after 90 minutes, it goes straight to penalties. That adds pressure to both sides to manage the moment, as even a level scoreline can quickly flip momentum. FC Cincinnati enter Game 2 in strong form. They’ve now recorded three consecutive clean sheets and boast one of MLS’s best road records this season (11-4-2 away). Their defensive structure has tightened at the right time, and Roman Celentano’s composure in goal has been key. However, history remains a hurdle — Cincinnati have never defeated the Crew twice in a row in MLS play, and winning at Lower.com Field has rarely come easy. Columbus Crew, meanwhile, will look to feed off their home crowd, where they went 9-3-5 during the regular season. Still, their recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their previous ten matches before the playoffs. The defending MLS Cup champions are capable of explosive offense but must rediscover their rhythm quickly to stay alive. Historically, the Crew have dominated the rivalry at home. Yet Cincinnati have shown signs of progress, earning positive results in recent trips to Columbus. That trend gives Pat Noonan’s side reason for optimism entering Sunday night. Game 2 sets up as another chapter in Ohio’s fiercest soccer rivalry — intensity, emotion, and playoff stakes all colliding at Lower.com Field. For FC Cincinnati, it’s a chance to make history and move closer to their first MLS Cup. For the Crew, it’s about pride, survival, and defending their crown in front of their fans. Kickoff is Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET in Columbus — and it promises to be another unforgettable “Hell is Real” showdown.