FC Cincinnati Hosts Columbus Crew in Crucial Playoff Showdown

CINCINNATI, Ohio – FC Cincinnati will take on Columbus Crew in Game 3 of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One on Saturday, November 8, at TQL Stadium. The match is set to kick off at 6 p.m. ET, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.

FC Cincinnati, who finished the regular season as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, have qualified for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. After splitting the first two matches of the series, both teams enter this decisive game with a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

“This is a must-win for us,” said FC Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan. “We have the home-field advantage, and we need to capitalize on it.” The series is tied 1-1, making the stakes particularly high for Saturday’s face-off.

Fans are encouraged to participate in an “Orange Out” by wearing orange merchandise, which can also be purchased from the TQL Stadium Team Store. The pre-match atmosphere will feature a synchronized light show, and attendees will receive orange rally towels upon entry.

Traffic around TQL Stadium may be impacted due to ongoing construction. Wade Street will be closed, directing fans to Liberty Street for access to the Workhorse Gate.

A pre-match party at Washington Park will be held from 2:30–5 p.m., culminating in a March in the Park at 5 p.m. with The Bailey heading to the stadium.

Columbus Crew enters the match after winning Game 2, gaining momentum as they seek to exploit their opportunities. “We know they’ll come with intensity,” said Noonan. “But we feel ready to respond.”

In playoff history, the home team has advanced in five of seven Game 3s, with an additional two wins coming through penalty kicks. “Our goal is clear: we need to leave everything on the field,” said defender Lukas Engel.

The winning team will face either Inter Miami CF or Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals on November 22 or 23.