Hell is here! The Black & Gold head down I-71 for another heated postseason clash with their fiercest rivals. Crew fans will remember well the last playoff meeting between these two sides — a comeback for the ages that propelled Columbus to its third MLS Cup.
This year’s edition brings a new twist: a best-of-three series between the rivals, with both teams entering the postseason fresh off three-goal Decision Day victories. While they finished in different positions on the table, the margins between them remain razor-thin. After two tightly contested regular season meetings, Monday night will reveal which side learned its lessons — and who lands the first punch in this high-stakes series.
FCC at a Glance
Record: 20-5-9 (65 points)
League Form: W-W-D-W-W
Leading Scorer: Evander (18)
Assist Leader: Evander (14)
Player to Watch: Evander
The offseason’s biggest transfer saga revolved around Evander — and for good reason. After a 2024 campaign worthy of MLS MVP honors, the Brazilian playmaker has followed it up with another season of elite quality.
Blessed with exceptional technique, Evander serves as the heartbeat of his team’s attack, pulling the strings from central midfield with flair and precision. His ability to both create and finish chances makes him a constant threat in the final third. Renowned for his crisp ball striking, pinpoint passing, and eye for goal, he’s capable of scoring from nearly anywhere — whether ghosting into the box for a tap-in or rifling one into the top corner from distance.
While his goals make the headlines, his passing has been quietly brilliant in 2025. Much like his predecessor Lucho Acosta, Evander possesses the vision and touch to unlock any defense. Surrounded by an array of dangerous attacking options, he remains the creative hub everything flows through — and the player to watch when Columbus takes the field Monday night.
How FCC Play
Former Crew player Pat Noonan enters his fourth season in charge, having overseen one of MLS’s most dramatic turnarounds. What was once a struggling expansion side is now a legitimate Eastern Conference contender.
Noonan’s early success was built on high pressing and quick transitions, but over time, his squad has evolved into a more balanced unit — equally capable of maintaining possession and building through sustained spells of play.
In recent meetings, Columbus has dictated both tempo and possession, forcing Noonan’s side to adapt. Expect a similar pattern on Monday, with Cincinnati likely content to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.
Tactically, Noonan mirrors Wilfried Nancy’s 3-4-2-1 structure but prefers two strikers with a free-roaming No. 10 (Evander) in possession. When building from the back, his team circulates the ball side to side, probing for openings. Against a low block, they look to combine in tight spaces; when pressed, they’ll go direct — playing into the front line or behind the defense for runners to chase.
Defensively, Noonan’s wingbacks drop into a back five while the midfield pair shield the center. His front three apply selective pressure, often pressing man-to-man — a tactic that gave the Crew problems early in their last meeting before Nancy’s adjustments turned the tide.
Interestingly, Noonan has lowered his team’s defensive line in 2025. Their Passes per Defensive Action (PPDA) sits at 14.03 — below the league average of 13.02 and a notable shift from last season’s league-best 9.79. This season, expect Cincinnati to funnel Columbus into wide areas, win the ball there, and launch quick counters into space behind the Crew’s defense.
How the Crew Can Win
Game One is massive in this best-of-three series. A road win Monday would tilt the tie heavily in the Crew’s favor ahead of a return to Lower.com Field next weekend. Road playoff wins are rare in MLS, but the Crew have enjoyed success in their rivals’ house before — and they’ll fancy their chances again.
Here are three key areas that could decide the opener:
1. Control Transitions
The Crew’s possession dominance comes from their commitment to attacking numbers, but that leaves space behind when they lose the ball. Maintaining strong “rest defense” — structure behind the attack — will be crucial. If Columbus can immediately counterpress and regain possession, they’ll dictate the match and pin their rivals deep.
2. Solve the Press Quickly
Noonan’s team has shown the Crew multiple defensive looks this season, including an aggressive man-to-man press that caused early chaos in their last meeting. Columbus must identify and solve those structures faster this time, avoiding early deficits and dictating play from the opening whistle.
3. Defend the Box
If there’s one weakness that has persisted for Columbus, it’s box defending — protecting their own penalty area against crosses, cutbacks, and second balls. Cincinnati thrives in those moments. The Crew’s backline must stay switched on and proactive when defending in their own area to avoid gifting easy chances.
