News Summary
FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew are gearing up for their first-round matchup in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The best-of-three series kicks off with Game 1 in Cincinnati. Both teams are aiming to advance, with FC Cincinnati holding the home advantage. The playoff format mandates a winner for each match, leading to tension-filled games as both teams vie for a spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Fans can catch all the action through various broadcasting platforms, making this an essential event for soccer supporters in the region.
Columbus, Ohio — FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew Prepare for First Round of MLS Cup Playoffs
Major League Soccer has announced the complete schedule for the first round of its Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, which will feature a best-of-three series between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew. The matchup is set to begin with Game 1 on October 27, with Cincinnati holding home-field advantage.
Playoff Format and Schedule
The playoff series will follow a best-of-three format, where the first team to win two matches advances to the next stage. All matches will yield a definitive winner through penalty kicks if tied after regulation, with no extra time played. Every game will be crucial, and no aggregate scoring or draws are permitted in this playoff round.
Game 1 is scheduled for Monday, October 27, at 6:45 p.m. ET. It will be hosted at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, giving FC Cincinnati the home advantage for this opening match. Tickets for this game are available for purchase online.
Game 2 will be played on Sunday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET. The venue for this contest is Lower.com Field in Columbus. If necessary, a third and decisive game is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, at TQL Stadium, although the specific kickoff time will be announced later.
Broadcast Information
All playoff matches will be accessible through various broadcasting platforms. Game 1 will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and Fox Deportes. For local radio listeners, coverage will be available on iHeart Fox Sports 1360 in English and La Mega 101.5 FM in Spanish.
This same broadcasting arrangement will apply to Game 2. The third game will also be available on MLS Season Pass if necessary, which is offered free to Apple TV subscribers.
Advancement and Critical Details
The first team to achieve two victories in this series will move forward to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In case of a tie after regulation in any match, players will settle the outcome via penalty kicks. There will be no extra time during these playoff matches.
Remaining Schedule and Key Dates
The overall MLS Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, December 6. Fans are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Playoffs Launch Party scheduled at MadTree Parks & Rec in Blue Ash, which will kick off on Wednesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Team Performance and Seeding
FC Cincinnati clinched the No. 2 seed following a 3-0 victory over Montreal on Decision Day, securing a strong regular-season finish. Despite facing challenges against Columbus earlier this season, Cincinnati recorded one win, zero losses, and one draw in their league matches against the Crew. Cincinnati has demonstrated recent momentum, winning four of their last five matches.
Columbus Crew earned the No. 7 seed after a 3-1 win against New York Red Bulls on Decision Day. Throughout the season, Columbus struggled against Cincinnati, with their last postseason encounter in 2023 ending in a 3-2 extra-time victory for Columbus. The Crew has managed only one win in their last five matches, indicating a current form disadvantage compared to Cincinnati.
Historical Context
The last postseason series between these two teams occurred in 2023, with Columbus securing a narrow victory in extra time. The upcoming series marks another chapter in their ongoing rivalry as they compete for a spot further in the playoffs.
Overall, the playoff series promises intense competition, with both teams eager to advance beyond the first round. Fans are urged to follow the schedule closely and participate in community events to support their teams during this critical stage of the season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MLS Cup Playoff Field Confirmed with Wild Card Matches
Portland Hosts San Diego FC in MLS Decision Day Clash
Major League Soccer Playoff Race Heats Up
Major League Baseball Reveals 2025 League Championship Series Schedule
Son Heung-Min Makes MLS Debut, Helps LAFC to Draw
Son Heung-min Joins LAFC in Record Transfer Deal
Lionel Messi’s Suspension Creates Stir Ahead of Leagues Cup
Indianapolis Hosts NBA 2K26 Summer League Semifinals and WNBA All-Star Game
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
