The message from the Columbus Crew locker room following Monday night’s result was clear: Yes, the team lost the match, but nothing’s over yet. This was just the opening act in, hopefully, a three-part drama.
“We know that we have to win [two] games. If we would have won, it would have been the same,” head coach Wilfried Nancy said. “Nothing changed because I like the personality that we had. Obviously, disappointed. The boys are really disappointed, but I told them to stay with their heads up because this is the way that we want to do it. After that, we have to execute a little bit better.”
Execution was the difference, as Columbus lost, 1-0, to FC Cincinnati in Game 1 of this Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series/postseason Hell is Real Derby. Game 2 is Sunday night at Lower.com Field at 6:30 p.m.
Truthfully, it was an even match between two Eastern Conference heavyweights. As was mentioned during the game broadcast, Nancy says this matchup is similar to jazz. We all know the songs; we just don’t know the improvised notes until they happened.
For Columbus, that improv meant nearly scoring in the first half when Max Arfsten found space in the Cincinnati box. However, his well-hit shot was blocked by FCC keeper Roman Celentano. On the other end, the home side’s efforts were stifled by Patrick Schulte.
The only difference between the rivals arrived in the 78th minute, when Kévin Denkey scored to seal Game 1.
“I think work rate was there. And, you know, it's the playoff atmosphere, you get a little bit of extra juice in the games,” Sean Zawadzki said. “You saw that. It's running through tackles and it's a lot more physical than what we're used to. Everyone's giving their everything and making that 90-yard sprint back in transition moments and everyone's willing to do that, to do the dirty work and whatever's needed for the team. And I think you saw that effort from everyone tonight.”
Attention now turns to Game 2 on Sunday night. With a Black & Gold win, the clubs will play a Game 3 elimination match on Nov. 8. Another Columbus loss ends the 2025 campaign.
“It’s a three-game series, and as much as that can go either way,” Zawadzki said. “But no matter what, we're going home, and we had to win the game regardless. So, I think it's pushing the game aside. Obviously, we want to reflect on the good things and the bad but using that to then look at film and figure out how can we break them even more in some instances as we look to go home, fight, and come away with the win.”
Hopefully, Monday night wasn’t the Crew’s last match down in Cincinnati this season. As we all know, Cincinnati is used to taking early leads in Hell is Real. The question now is if the Columbus, per usual, can rally back and spoil the celebrations.
