October 20, 2025

FC Cincinnati to Face Columbus Crew in MLS Cup Playoffs

News Summary

FC Cincinnati is set to face off against the Columbus Crew in a best-of-3 series for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Cincinnati, holding the No. 2 seed, will play the first match at home in TQL Stadium. The teams will compete for a chance to advance, with the series emphasizing a no-ties format. Fans can look forward to intense matches as both teams aim for victory in this highly competitive playoff series.

Cincinnati – Major League Soccer has announced the schedule for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series, which will feature a matchup between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew. FC Cincinnati, securing the No. 2 seed, will have the home field advantage throughout this series, including hosting crucial games at TQL Stadium.

The first game of the series will take place on Monday, October 27, at 6:45 p.m. ET at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Tickets for this highly anticipated match are available for purchase through FCCincinnati.com/Tickets. This match will be broadcasted on Fox Sports 1, the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and Fox Deportes. Fans can also listen to local radio coverage on iHeart Fox Sports 1360 in English and La Mega 101.5 FM in Spanish.

The second game is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET at Lower.com Field in Columbus. Like the first game, Game 2 will stream on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and will have local radio coverage available. Should the series require a decisive Game 3, it will be held at TQL Stadium on Saturday, November 8, although the kickoff time will be announced later.

This playoff series emphasizes a no-ties format; if any match ends in a tie at the conclusion of regulation time, the winner will be determined through penalty kicks, eliminating the need for extra time. The first team to secure two wins in the series will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Every match of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs will be accessible on the MLS Season Pass, which is available for free to Apple TV subscribers.

The overall playoff structure leads up to the highly anticipated MLS Cup final, scheduled for Saturday, December 6. Fans attending matches are encouraged to participate in a Playoffs Launch Party at MadTree Parks & Rec in Blue Ash on Wednesday, October 22, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event will feature special programming, including editions of MLS Countdown and MLS Wrap-Up, as well as Spanish-language shows MLS La Previa and El Resumen.

FC Cincinnati earned the No. 2 seed by securing a critical victory over Montreal with a score of 3-0 on Decision Day. On the other hand, Columbus Crew clinched the No. 7 seed following a 3-1 win against the New York Red Bulls. Historically, the last postseason matchup between these in-state rivals took place in 2023, where Columbus emerged victorious with a 3-2 win in extra time.

Throughout the current season, FC Cincinnati has faced challenges against Columbus, recording 1 win, 0 losses, and 1 draw in their two encounters. In terms of form, Cincinnati is entering the playoffs on a high note with four wins out of their last five matches, while Columbus struggles with only one win in the same period.

This playoff series promises to deliver intense competition and thrilling soccer as FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew face off for a chance to advance in the MLS Cup Playoffs.