The Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati continue their “Hell Is Real” rivalry tonight as the two sides tackle in Cincinnati this evening. Let’s call this installment: “Lucho vs Cucho!”
Who: FCC vs Crew
What: Hell is Real, part 2 (This will be the 15th installment of the Ohio Rivalry!)
Where: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
When: 7:30 PM
Watch: MLS SeasonPass on AppleTV
Last winning side? May 11th, Cincinnati won 2-1 in Columbus.
At Stake? Lucho vs Cucho. Bragging rights!
(From MLS on X.)
Playoffs? Either can clinch a playoff berth with a win.
Records: FC Cincinnati currently hold on to 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, with Columbus two points behind but an extra game in hand. FCC is 16-8-3 (W-L-D), while Columbus is 14-5-7.
Crazy stat: FC Cincy has five home losses already! That’s the most from the top 16 teams in BOTH conferences!
Cincy Troubles in 24
Injuries to many starters from last year have made it difficult for Pat Noonan to have the same eleven more than two games in a row! The staff has been busy on the market trying to fill injuries and poor play.
Add to today’s game that starting defenders Miles Robinson and Ian Murphy will watch from the bench due to yellow card accumulations.
On a positive note, Yuya Kubo is two matches away from making club history as the first player to play in 150 matches!
Crew 2024
The Leagues Cup 2024 champions have had some strange twists to their season. Winning a trophy already is nice, but it has caused scheduling issues that could curtail their remaining matches. Just look at the last loss to Seattle!
Cucho is back from his country call up but the wear and tear on his body might be a factor. But by all means he should be the favorite as the MLS MVP for 2024. Patrick Schulte should be in fine form as net-minder since his call up to the US Men’s National team.
Columbus’ defense has been outstanding no matter who they put back there. Leading all MLS with a goal differential of 24 (52 goals scored – 28 goals against) the Black and Gold can hold their own to allow teammates to score goals.
Keys to the game: Lucho vs Cucho
For the Crew they must control Luciano Acosta. With Acosta still nursing an injured foot, they will send two to three people at him at all times. But Luca Orellano has been a crazy weapon, so someone will need to monitor where he is at all times. Acosta leads MLS in assists and his perfect passing ability can leave Cincinnati with odd man rushes!
For FCC, they must do the same against Cucho Hernandez. But their back line is struggling to find form with two starters out today. So, goalie Roman Celentano must be the best on the pitch tonight. Someone from the Blue and Orange need to shadow Diego Rossi as he likes to find spaces behind and around opposing defenders. Cucho and Rossi make an incredible pair!
Likely outcome?
2-2 draw with FCC allowing a late, equalizing goal.
Drop your predictions below or on social media!
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