Crew fall to FC Cincinnati 1-0 in game one of first round playoff series

CINCINNATI (WCMH) -- The first "Hell is Real" playoff series in two years started Monday and the Columbus Crew fell to in-state rivals FC Cincinnati 1-0 at TQL Stadium in the first game of the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

After a scoreless first half where Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made four saves, both teams were able to develop decent chances early in the second half. FCC though was able to get the ball in the back of the net as Kevin Denkey tapped in the winning goal in the 78th minute.

Black & Gold fans were thrilled to see the return of top scorer Diego Rossi, who started in the match after missing over a month with injury. The Uruguayan played 76 minutes and did not register a shot.

Despite possession finishing dead even, Cincinnati outshot Columbus 13-6 to get its first win over its Ohio rivals since 2024. It is also the first time Cincinnati has beaten the Crew in an MLS Cup Playoffs game.

The Crew now must win game two on Sunday at Lower.com Field to keep their season alive and avoid a first round sweep for a second straight season. Kickoff for game two against FC Cincinnati is set for 6:30 p.m.

If Columbus wins on Sunday, a deciding game three back in Cincinnati would be played on Nov. 8.

See below for an archived updates thread from the match