The second half of the season is officially underway in MLS and so many great rivalry matches have already happened since the break. Portland Timbers dismantled Seattle Sounders, LAFC embarrassed LA Galaxy, and Philadelphia Union took down Red Bull New York. Now it’s time for arguably the biggest grudge match in the Eastern Conference, Hell is Real. Columbus Crew host FC Cincinnati in the first of two meetings this season.
Match Details
Who: Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati
What: MLS Regular Season
Where: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus, Ohio
When: Saturday July 25, 7:15 PM ET / 4:15 PM PT
Watch: Apple TV, FS1
Crew Slow Out The Gates After Break
It’s been a rocky 2026 for Columbus Crew. Henrik Rydström was appointed as manager before the season but couldn’t make things click, only winning three times across his 14 MLS games in charge. He was sacked after a 1-1 draw with bottom of the league Philadelphia Union and former Crew 2 coach Laurent Courtois was brought in to replace the Swede. He got off to a great start, winning both of his matches before the World Cup break.
However, the time off seems to have disrupted the momentum Columbus was building. Their first unofficial match back was a friendly against recently relegated Burnley, which they drew 1-1. It may not seem like a bad result on paper, but Burnley also lost 3-1 to FC Cincinnati and 4-1 to Real Salt Lake in their US tour. Crew followed that up with a sluggish 2-1 loss at home to NYCFC. That game would’ve even been a shutout if not for a 93rd minute Dániel Gazdag penalty.
Selling star man Diego Rossi to Monterrey certainly hasn’t helped. He led Columbus in goals with six in the first half of the season but was shipped off to Liga MX for a fee that could reach $8 million. Rossi’s departure along with Wessam Abou Ali’s torn ACL leaves the Crew without a proven goalscorer up top. It’s a real problem considering they play with two strikers. Columbus has made some good signings this summer with the likes of Brais Méndez from Real Sociedad and former Manchester United center back Eric Bailly, but it feels like they haven’t yet addressed the main issue.
Tale of Two Position Groups For FC Cincinnati
If any new fans are looking to get into MLS after the World Cup here in the United States, I’d strongly encourage them to watch FC Cincinnati. Three things are guaranteed when the Garys play and those are goals, goals, and even more goals. There have been a whopping 80 goals scored in FCC matches so far this season, an average of five per game. That’s not even counting their Concacaf Champions Cup run that included a 9-0 win and a 5-1 loss. The most interesting part is that of those 80 goals, FC Cincinnati have scored 40 and conceded the other 40. So unstable, yet still perfectly balanced.
Let’s start with the good. FC Cincinnati’s attack is electric. They’ve scored the second-most goals in MLS this season, only trailing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. They’re the only team with two double digit goalscorers thanks to the 10 goals apiece from Kévin Denkey and Evander. The latter is also tied for second in assists with seven. They are truly firing on all cylinders and it picked up right where they left off on Wednesday. FC Cincinnati put four goals past Vancouver Whitecaps, who have the best defense in the West.
Now for the bad. In that same game against Vancouver, FC Cincinnati conceded three times. They are tied with Sporting KC for second-most goals allowed in MLS. That stat is crazy considering they’re fifth place in the East. Miles Robinson’s big extension last year is now looking like one of the worst contracts in the league as he continues to disappoint for club and country. Matt Miazga has yet to get back to his best after a serious injury in 2024 and at the age of 31, it’s not likely that he ever will. FC Cincinnati have a great foundation to build on with their attack but if they don’t make serious changes at the back, it’s hard to see them as a serious contender.
Match Prediction
One thing’s for certain, we’re in for a great rivalry game. Crew’s toothless attack against Cincinnati’s suspect defense will be a fascinating battle. As will the chess match on the other side as Evander tries to unlock Columbus and their resolute back line. I’m going to sit on the fence and predict a thrilling end to end draw.
Prediction: Columbus Crew 2-2 FC Cincinnati
