What to know before Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati in 'Hell is Real' MLS playoff game
It's "Hell is Real" rivalry, playoff edition.
The Crew beat Orlando City SC 2-0 on the road Nov. 25 to earn a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference final against rival FC Cincinnati.
FC Cincinnati is coming of a 1-0 win against the Philadelphia Union in the other Eastern Conference semifinal. It beat the New York Red Bulls in a two-game first-round sweep.
Here's what you need to know ahead of the Crew vs. FC Cincinnati Saturday.
When did the 'Hell is Real' rivalry start between the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati?
The rivalry officially began when FC Cincinnati joined MLS in 2019 and unofficially started with a US Open Cup game in 2017 when Cincy, then a USL team, won 1-0.
Why is the Crew's rivalry with FC Cincinnati called 'Hell is Real'?
The rivalry name stems from a billboard on I-71 in Mount Sterling, that reads "Hell is Real." Travelers from Columbus to Cincinnati (or vice versa) pass the famous sign driving between the two cities.
Does the Crew have the advantage over FC Cincinnati in 'Hell is Real' games?
Since FC Cincinnati joined the MLS in 2019, they have played against the Crew 13 times.
The Crew have won six of those meetings, starting the MLS rivalry with a five-game unbeaten streak that ended with a 2-1 loss in Cincinnati Oct. 14, 2020.
In road games against Cincinnati, the Crew have won just once, a 3-1 win in their first road game Aug. 25, 2019, and have tied or lost each of the last five meetings, including a 3-2 loss May 20.
As mentioned, the Crew lost their first game against FC Cincinnati in the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
Did the Crew beat FC Cincinnati in 2023?
The Crew split their first two meetings with FC Cincinnati in 2023.
Trailing 2-0 after two Luciano Acosta goals in six minutes, including a penalty kick score, the Crew tied its May 20 road meeting with FC Cincinnati with goals from Lucas Zelarayan and Malte Amundsen. But a Junior Moreno goal in the 67th minute proved to be the difference, allowing Cincy to win 3-2 and handing the Crew their second loss to FC Cincinnati in club history.
The Crew responded three months later with a 3-0 shutout Aug. 20 with goals from Aidan Morris, Cucho Hernandez and Jacen Russell-Rowe.
Have the Crew and FC Cincinnati played each other in the MLS playoffs?
The Crew has never faced FC Cincinnati in the MLS playoffs.
What time is the Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati game in the MLS playoffs?
Kickoff: 6 p.m., Dec. 2; TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
What channel is the Columbus Crew Eastern Conference Final game on?
The Crew vs. FC Cincinnati game will be on Apple TV through the MLS Season Pass.
Will the game be broadcast on radio?
Yes, 97.1 The Fan will air the Crew game in English, and a Spanish-speaking broadcast is on La Mega 103.1 FM.
Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati betting odds: Are the Crew favored in the Eastern Conference final?
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Crew have +210 odds to beat FC Cincinnati on the road Saturday. The over/under for goals scored is set at 2.5.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know before Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati meet in MLS playoffs
