The latest iteration of the "Hell is Real" derby between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew ended in a relatively uneventful scoreless draw at TQL Stadium. Despite the lack of goals, the draw was enough to secure both teams a spot in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, a significant outcome as the season winds down. FC Cincinnati is now looking ahead to their third-straight playoff appearance under the leadership of head coach Pat Noonan, signaling a trend of consistency and resilience in their game.
As the fans rooted passionately, neither side could claim dominance, with a 50% possession rate for each, reported by The Dispatch. Cincinnati's Roman Celentano and Columbus' Patrick Schulte were the standout performers, making critical saves to keep the game even. A decisive moment came in the form of a Luciano Acosta goal for Cincinnati, which was disallowed due to an offside call, a blow to the home side that maintained the deadlock.
Despite the absence of key players Miles Robinson and Ian Murphy, FC Cincinnati's defense remained unwavering, as detailed in a statement obtained by Cincinnati.com. The back-line, bolstered by Luca Orellano, DeAndre Yedline, Chidozie Awaziem, Alvas Powell, and Yuya Kubo, assisted Celentano in registering his eighth shutout of the season, reinforcing Cincinnati's defensive prowess.
Pat Noonan, FC Cincinnati's head coach, reflected on his team's performance and the missed opportunities: "We should be pleased with a point because in both boxes and chance creation, they had the better of (the game)," he told Cincinnati.com. Despite facing the top defense in MLS, FC Cincinnati managed to emerge with their playoff ambitions intact, ready to take on Minnesota United FC in their upcoming match.
The enthusiasm from the fans was palpable, as one supporter, Buddy Friestoe, expressed confidence in the team's capabilities to WLWT, saying, "I felt pretty good about this and going forward. We're the better team." Indeed, for the local fanbase and the city, the "Hell is Real" rivalry remains a highly anticipated event embedded in the fabric of their soccer culture.
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