This is Game 3 of a best-of-three MLS Cup playoff series – a win-or-go-home knockout match. FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew in a decisive playoff showdown on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
The series is tied at 1-1 after an electrifying turnaround: Cincinnati won Game 1 with a 1-0 victory at home on October 28, before Columbus delivered a devastating 4-0 demolition in Game 2 on November 2 at Lower.com Field.
Cincinnati finished the regular season as the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference with 65 points from 20 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses (52 goals scored, 40 conceded). Columbus secured the #7 seed with a significantly lower points total, earning 44 points from 10 wins, 4 draws, and 11 losses – making this one of the most improbable playoff reversals in recent MLS history.
The winner advances to face either Inter Miami (seeded #3) or Nashville SC (seeded #6) in the Eastern Conference Semifinals on November 14-15. Columbus’s emphatic 4-0 victory in Game 2 – featuring a 19-1 shots advantage, 3.1 expected goals to Cincinnati’s 0.1, and dominant 62% possession – has completely shifted momentum heading into this elimination clash.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Match Preview – Team News, Recent Form, Tactical Analysis & Prediction
- Teams: FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew
- Match: MLS Cup Playoffs Round One – Game 3 (Win-or-Go-Home “Hell is Real” Derby)
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
- Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Capacity: 26,000
- Rivalry: “Hell is Real” Derby – Ohio’s Most Intense Rivalry
- Cincinnati Standings: Eastern Conference No. 2
- Columbus Crew Standings: Eastern Conference No. 7
- Past 5 Matches (All Competitions):
- FC Cincinnati Form: WDWWWL
- Columbus Crew Form: DLDWLW
Regular Season Final Standings
| Team | Seed | Record | Points | GF/GA | Goal Diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC Cincinnati | Eastern #2 | 20W-5D-9L | 65 | 52/40 | +12 |
| Columbus Crew | Eastern #7 | 10W-4D-3L | 44 | 41/36 | +5 |
Playoff Series Head-to-Head
| Match | Date | Venue | Result | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | October 28, 2025 | TQL Stadium (Cincinnati Home) | Cincinnati 1-0 Columbus | Home advantage crucial; Crew lacked intensity |
| Game 2 | November 2, 2025 | Lower.com Field (Columbus Home) | Columbus 4-0 Cincinnati | 19-1 shots, 3.1 xG vs 0.1 xG, 62% possession for Crew |
| Game 3 | November 8, 2025 | TQL Stadium (Cincinnati Home) | TBD – WINNER ADVANCES | Win-or-go-home; Cincinnati seeking revenge |
Last 5 Matches & Results Summary
| Team | Last 5 Matches (approx) | Results Summary |
|---|---|---|
| FC Cincinnati | Game 1: Win 1-0 vs Crew Game 2: Loss 0-4 vs Crew | 1 Win, 0 Draws, 1 Loss |
| Columbus Crew | Game 1: Loss 0-1 vs Cincinnati Game 2: Win 4-0 | 1 Win, 0 Draws, 1 Loss |
Team News & Injury Updates
FC Cincinnati:
Midfielder Yaya Kubo received a red card in the 38th minute of Game 2 for a reckless tackle and will serve a one-match suspension, missing Game 3. Forward Brandon Vázquez is back to full fitness after recovering from illness.
Goalkeeper Roman Celantano, who suffered a head injury when kicked by Hugo Picard in Game 2, was cleared to play and is expected to start. Defender Alvas Powell remains available despite facing challenges in Game 2.
Columbus Crew:
Defender Rudy Camacho, who had been out with a thigh injury, made his return in Game 2 during the 81st minute and is expected to be ready for Game 3. Coach Wilfried Nancy aims to keep up the attacking momentum that led to an impressive 4-0 win.
Midfielder Max Arfsten is on fire, delivering an impressive performance with a goal and two assists in Game 2. Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte had a quiet match but continues to be a dependable shot-stopper.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Possible Starting Lineups
FC Cincinnati (4-2-3-1):
- Celentano (GK); Powell, Robinson, Hadebe; Echenique, Bucha, Evander, Gidi, Orellano; Denkey, Brenner
Columbus Crew (4-2-3-1):
- Schulte (GK); Herrera, Moreira, Amundsen, Arfsten; Zawadzki, Chambost, Nagbe, Habroune; Rossi, Picard or Russell-Rowe
Cincinnati vs Columbus Key Player
FC Cincinnati
- Kévin Denkey – Scored the decisive goal in Game 1 and will be crucial to unlocking the Crew defence.
- Evander – The Brazilian playmaker/forward who can shift matches with individual brilliance; Cincinnati will need him to lift his game after Game 2’s nil.
- Roman Celentano – The goalkeeper will need to rebound strongly after yielding four in Game 2; his composure is vital.
Columbus Crew
- Max Arfsten – Demonstrated his quality with a goal and two assists in Game 2; his pace and movement will trouble Cincinnati’s back-line.
- Jacen Russell-Rowe – Showed up big in Game 2 with a goal and growing playoff experience; a potential difference-maker.
- Patrick Schulte – The goalkeeper and veteran presence in playoff scenarios; will need to maintain his level with Cincinnati pressing.
Tactical Insights & Key Battles
Cincinnati’s Challenge: Cincinnati needs to bounce back from the mental blow of a 4-0 loss, especially with midfielder Yaya Kubo suspended after his vital defensive role in Game 1. Coach Pat Noonan will probably focus on a tighter defensive setup and fast counter-attacks using Brandon Vázquez’s speed. The team has to rediscover its early intensity after being outplayed for the full 90 minutes in Game 2.
Columbus’s Opportunity: The Crew bring the energy from their dominant Game 2 performance but now face the challenge of playing away against a team hungry for redemption. Coach Wilfried Nancy’s high-pressing system, which generated a 3.1 expected goals advantage last weekend, will play a key role. Max Arfsten’s strong form and Habroune’s support from the left flank were game-changers in Game 2.
- Brandon Vázquez (Cincinnati) vs Rubén Camacho (Columbus): Pace vs defensive recovery
- Max Arfsten (Columbus) vs Jonathan Inge (Cincinnati): Attacking creativity vs defensive midfield discipline
- Roman Celantano (Cincinnati) vs Crew High Press: Goalkeeper distribution vs pressing triggers
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Prediction
This “Hell is Real” Derby decider presents a classic narrative: Cincinnati seeks to overcome a devastating 4-0 loss while playing at home against a Columbus side that showed clinical finishing and relentless pressing. Cincinnati’s home advantage at TQL Stadium and the loss of Yaya Kubo through suspension create an unpredictable dynamic.
However, Columbus’s momentum is extraordinary – averaging 2.9 expected goals per 90 minutes in their playoff stretch compared to Cincinnati’s 1.8. Columbus’s press and chance creation have been far superior, while Cincinnati appears vulnerable without their suspended midfielder.
The critical factor will be Cincinnati’s mental response. If they avoid an early deficit and maintain possession, their superior regular-season quality (65 points vs 44) could emerge. Conversely, if Columbus scores first and creates multiple chances through their high press, Cincinnati’s playoff dreams could end on home soil.
- Predicted Outcome: FC Cincinnati 2-1 Columbus Crew in a tightly contested match, with superior momentum and pressing intensity overcoming Cincinnati’s home advantage and the Kubo suspension.
How to Watch Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Game 3
- Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+
- United States: Apple TV+ (MLS Season Pass subscription required)
- Canada: DAZN Canada