Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati Match Recap - Nov 2, 2025

In a stunning display of dominance, Columbus Crew dismantled their rivals, FC Cincinnati, with a resounding 4-0 victory in the Round of 16 at Lower.com Field on November 2, 2025. This match not only avenged their recent defeat to Cincinnati but also showcased the Crew's potential as they seek to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, eager for this high-stakes clash. Just days earlier, Columbus had suffered a narrow loss to Cincinnati in the same round, where Kévin Denkey's late goal had left them reeling. However, this time it was the Crew who seized control early and never looked back.

The first breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Maximilian Arfsten found the net, sending waves of relief through the home crowd. The goal seemed to ignite Columbus' confidence, and just eight minutes later, Dylan Chambost doubled their lead with another well-placed shot. By halftime, Columbus held a commanding 2-0 advantage and appeared poised for more.

Things took a turn for FC Cincinnati when Yuya Kubo received a red card in the 38th minute after a reckless challenge. Playing with ten men against an already aggressive Crew side proved too much for Cincinnati to handle. The dismissal shifted momentum firmly into Columbus' favor and set the stage for an explosive second half.

As play resumed, Columbus continued to press their advantage. In the 65th minute, Marcelo Herrera, who has been pivotal throughout the season, scored yet again to extend his team's lead to three goals. Just four minutes later, Jacen Russell-Rowe added insult to injury by scoring Columbus' fourth goal of the night. With each passing minute, it became clear that this was not just a win; it was an emphatic statement from Columbus.

This result is particularly significant given both teams' recent forms leading up to this match. While FC Cincinnati entered as one of the top teams in Major League Soccer with 65 points and strong performances throughout October-including their previous victory over Columbus-the Crew had struggled with inconsistency but showed flashes of brilliance against New York Red Bulls just weeks prior.

With this victory, Columbus not only advances further into playoff contention but also sends a message that they are ready to compete at higher levels despite their seventh-place finish during regular season play. For FC Cincinnati, this defeat serves as a wake-up call; they must regroup quickly if they hope to bounce back from such a heavy loss.

As both teams look ahead in this knockout format, stakes remain high for each squad's aspirations moving forward. For Columbus Crew fans, hope springs eternal after such an impressive performance against their fiercest rivals-a reminder that anything can happen in soccer when determination meets opportunity. Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati will need to reassess and refocus if they wish to reclaim their earlier form and avoid further setbacks in these crucial playoff matches.

In what was expected to be an evenly matched rivalry showdown turned into an unforgettable night for Columbus Crew supporters-one that will surely be remembered long after the final whistle blew at Lower.com Field.