FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta (10) receives a pass in the first half of the MLS Eastern Conference Final match between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
Welcome to Cincinnati.com's live coverage of the MLS Cup Eastern Conference final between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew. This highly anticipated match promises to be a battle for the ages, with both teams vying for a spot in the MLS Cup finals. Join us as we provide live updates and analysis of this thrilling encounter.
FC Cincinnati's Dream Season Comes to an End
Columbus hangs on for a hard-fought 3-2 victory, clinching both the generational bragging rights over FC Cincinnati and the Eastern Conference title. The defeat is a bitter pill to swallow for FC Cincinnati, who had an outstanding season and overcame numerous challenges. Despite their admirable postseason run, they fell just short of their ultimate goal.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew
FC Cincinnati has undoubtedly proven themselves to be an elite team in MLS. However, losing to their arch-rivals, Columbus Crew, will undoubtedly make the upcoming offseason feel colder and darker for the fans in Southwest Ohio.
Columbus Takes the Lead, and the Conference (115')
Christian Ramirez, a second-half substitute, played a crucial role in securing the win for Columbus. His short-range header gave the Crew a 3-2 lead, putting FC Cincinnati in a challenging position with time running out.
Still Level at 2-2 with Penalties Looming
The match remains deadlocked at 2-2, with both teams unable to break the tie during the first 15 minutes of extra time. If they fail to find a winner in the next 15 minutes, the outcome will be decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Extra Time Looms as Neither Team Gives an Inch
With 90 minutes of play unable to separate the two teams, an additional 30 minutes of extra time will be played over two 15-minute periods. The tension mounts as both teams battle for a spot in the MLS Cup finals.
A Gutsy Comeback for Columbus (86')
Columbus once again displays their resilience, coming back from a two-goal deficit with Diego Rossi's game-tying score. The momentum has shifted, and FC Cincinnati must regroup to avoid further setbacks.
Columbus is Back in the Game (76')
Christian Ramirez, making an immediate impact as a substitute, unleashes a shot that is ruled as an own-goal by FC Cincinnati's Alvas Powell. The score now stands at 2-1, setting the stage for an intense and nail-biting finish.
Cincinnati Goal Waived Off (70')
FC Cincinnati briefly celebrates taking a 3-0 lead, but the goal is disallowed due to a handball. The momentum swings back in Columbus' favor, leaving FC Cincinnati to rue their missed opportunity.
The First Substitutions of the Match
Columbus makes their move, bringing on Christian Ramirez and Julian Gressel, two experienced players who will bolster their attacking prowess. Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati makes a defensive substitution, replacing Santiago Arias with Ray Gaddis. Both teams aim to make an impact with these strategic changes.
Reflections at the 60-Minute Mark
FC Cincinnati had several chances to extend their lead but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Despite this, they maintain their 2-0 advantage, but they must remain vigilant in the face of Columbus' relentless pressure.
Halftime Arrives with an Ideal Start for FC Cincinnati
As the first half comes to a close, FC Cincinnati secures a comfortable 2-0 lead. This bodes well for the hosts, considering the dominant performance by Columbus and their ability to come back from two-goal deficits in the past. The halftime break will be crucial for both teams to reassess their strategies.
The MVP Shines in the Conference Final (45+)
Luciano Acosta, FC Cincinnati's MVP, showcases his skills with a perfectly executed free-kick that finds the back of the net. The goal extends FC Cincinnati's lead to 2-0 and serves as a statement from Acosta, who promised to make an impact in this match during a recent press conference.
Breathless Action at TQL Stadium (30')
Despite FC Cincinnati taking an early lead, Columbus dominates possession and constantly tests Cincinnati's defense. The pressure is on for FC Cincinnati to maintain their advantage until halftime.
FC Cincinnati Takes an Early Lead (14')
Aaron Boupendza delivers a precise pass into the box, and Brandon Vazquez expertly finishes to secure a 1-0 lead for FC Cincinnati. The goal not only opens the scoring but also puts Columbus on notice after their strong start to the match.
The Match Begins with History on the Line (1')
The stage is set for the biggest match in FC Cincinnati's history as the kickoff takes place at 6:09 p.m. The stakes couldn't be higher, with a trophy on the line and a chance to secure a spot in the MLS Cup final.
What's at Stake Tonight
This match holds more than just a trophy; it symbolizes the culmination of a fierce rivalry and the bragging rights for years to come. The winning team not only secures a place in the MLS Cup final but also has the honor of hosting the game, providing a high-visibility opportunity to showcase their city and home stadium.
Starting Lineups for FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew
- FC Cincinnati starting XI: Roman Celentano (GK), Alvaro Barreal, Ian Murphy, Yerson Mosquera, Alvas Powell, Santiago Arias, Yuya Kubo, Luciano Acosta (captain), Junior Moreno, Aaron Boupendza, Brandon Vazquez.
- Cincinnati bench: Alec Kann (GK), Obinna Nwobodo, Marco Angulo, Dominique Badji, Sergio Santos, Malik Pinto, Ray Gaddis, Bret Halsey, Gerardo Valenzuela.
- Columbus Crew starting XI: Patrick Schulte (GK), Rudy Camacho, Malte Amundsen, Mohammed Farsi, Steven Moreira, Darlington Nagbe (captain), Aidan Morris, Alexandru Matan, Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi.
- Columbus bench: Julian Gressel, Kevin Molino, Christian Ramirez, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Yevhen Chberko, Evan Buch (GK), Sean Zawadski, Max Arftsen, Jimmy Medranda.
Unavailable to Play
For FC Cincinnati, Nick Hagglund (surgery) and Matt Miazga (suspension) will not be available for this match. Miazga is serving the first game of his three-game suspension resulting from a post-match incident at Red Bull Arena.
FC Cincinnati midfielder Júnior Moreno (93) and FC Cincinnati defender Alvas Powell (2) compete for the ball in the second half of the match.
This thrilling encounter between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew holds immense significance as both teams battle for a spot in the MLS Cup finals. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the match unfolds.
