News Summary
FC Cincinnati is set to face Columbus Crew in a playoff series, starting with Game 1 at TQL Stadium. The teams look to advance in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, with a home advantage for FC Cincinnati. The schedule includes three potential games, and no ties will occur, making for thrilling encounters. Community events are planned to engage fans ahead of the matches, emphasizing the historical rivalry and recent performances of both teams.
Cincinnati
Major League Soccer has officially announced the complete schedule for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series, featuring a matchup between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew. FC Cincinnati, the No. 2 seed, is set to host the No. 7 seed Columbus Crew in a playoff series that promises excitement for soccer fans.
Playoff Schedule
The first game will take place on Monday, October 27, at 6:45 p.m. ET at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. FC Cincinnati will enjoy home field advantage, hosting Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 3. Tickets for the first game are currently available at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets.
Game 1 will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1, as well as on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and Fox Deportes. For local listeners, the game will also be available on iHeart Fox Sports 1360 in English and La Mega 101.5 FM in Spanish.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET, taking place at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. This game will also be accessible via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with local radio broadcasts provided by the same stations.
If necessary, Game 3 will occur at TQL Stadium on Saturday, November 8, with the kickoff time to be determined. Importantly, every match in Round One will have a definitive winner, as there are no ties or aggregate scores; if tied at the end of regulation, the match will be decided by penalty kicks with no extra time.
Advancing in the Playoffs
The team that secures two wins first will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Fans can follow every match in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, all of which will be accessible through the MLS Season Pass, free for Apple TV subscribers. The highly anticipated MLS Cup final is set to take place on Saturday, December 6.
Community Engagement
In an effort to engage fans, FC Cincinnati is hosting a Playoffs Launch Party at MadTree Parks & Rec in Blue Ash on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. The event promises to build excitement leading into the playoff series. Coverage during the playoffs will also feature special editions of shows like MLS Countdown and MLS Wrap-Up, alongside Spanish-language programs such as MLS La Previa and El Resumen.
Team Performances
FC Cincinnati earned the No. 2 seed after a decisive 3-0 victory against Montreal on Decision Day. The Columbus Crew clinched their No. 7 seed following a 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls. Historically, the last postseason encounter between Cincinnati and Columbus took place in 2023, where Columbus narrowly won 3-2 in extra time.
This season, FC Cincinnati has faced challenges against the Columbus Crew, managing only one win in two matches, with one draw and one loss. Heading into the playoffs, Cincinnati boasts an impressive form with four wins in their last five matches, while Columbus struggles with just one win in the same timeframe.
As the playoffs looms, anticipation builds for the showdown between these two Ohio clubs, marking a significant chapter in their rivalry.
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