MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final
- Who: s – FC Cincinnati (20-5-9, 69 points) vs Columbus Crew (16-9-9, 57 points)
- When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 6:00 PM EST
- Where: TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH, USA
- How To Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass
2023 Matchups
- May 20, 2023: FC Cincinnati 3 (Acosta 17′, 23′ (Pen), Moreno 67′) – Columbus Crew 2 (Zelarayan 40′, Amundsen 52′)
- August 20, 2023: Columbus Crew 3 (Morris 15′, Hernandez 23′ (Pen), Russell-Rowe 90′+6′) – FC Cincinnati 0
Who could have scripted the MLS Cup Playoffs for FC Cincinnati so far? Beating a familiar foe in the New York Red Bulls on the road, followed by a gutsy 1-0 win at home against the Philadelphia Union side that ended Cincinnati’s season last year. Now, they play host to their in-state rival Columbus Crew for the biggest edition of the Hell is Real Derby we’ve witnessed so far.
The inaugural edition of the Hell is Real derby was the only time these two sides met in a knockout format before, a match where the then USL Championship side won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Djiby Fall in the 64th minute.
The Columbus Crew, in previous matchups, have found more success against their in-state rivals, boasting a 6-3-4 record all time against the Orange and Blue. One thing to note – FC Cincinnati have not lost to the Crew in Cincinnati since October 14, 2020. One win and two draws in the last three matchups in the Queen City also means, yes, the Columbus Crew have yet to win in “the fortress”, TQL Stadium.
Matt Miazga
November 29, 2023 (Cincinnati, OH) – MLS Defender of the Year Matt Miazga has been issued a suspension for three patches for entering the officials’ locker room after the MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match, effective immediately. Miazga’s 2023 season with FC Cincinnati comes to an end. Three days after the match, the Pro Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) issued a statement on X stating:
During the match on November 4, Miazga had received two yellow cards – one for dissent after the full time whistle by Victor Rivas, and a second for blowing kisses and saying “I love you” to the Red Bull supporter section during the penalty shootout. With the latter being his third of the MLS Cup Playoffs, Miazga was suspended on yellow card accumulation for FC Cincinnati’s Eastern Conference Semifinal match against the Philadelphia Union. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported initially that security was not involved with the removal of Miazga from the officials’ room, nor was the MLS Defender of the Year forcibly removed. Sources have confirmed that report with Area Sports Network.
FC Cincinnati could not be reached for a comment on Wednesday night, shortly after the official announcement of Miazga’s three match suspension.
Miazga has also been issued an undisclosed fine and will “undergo a behavioral assessment through the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Program and may petition for a reduction in suspension based on continued commitment and compliance with any recommended treatment programs.”
Multiple sources tell Area Sports Network that FC Cincinnati unsuccessfully appealed the MLS Disciplinary Committee’s decision last week prior to the Eastern Conference Semifinal match between FC Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union.
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