Match Summary
FC Cincinnati defeated Columbus Crew 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2024. Goals were scored by K. Kelsy 74′, L. Acosta 76′, M. Arfsten 89′. 5 yellow cards were shown. Columbus Crew had 54% possession while FC Cincinnati held 46%. Columbus Crew had 15 shots (4 on target) compared to 8 (5 on target) for FC Cincinnati. Expected goals: Columbus Crew 0.73 — FC Cincinnati 1.37. Columbus Crew made 3 substitutions, FC Cincinnati made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati — 3 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Acosta
assist: P. Bucha
Match Statistics
Columbus Crew had 54% possession against FC Cincinnati's 46%. Columbus Crew registered 15 shots (4 on target) while FC Cincinnati managed 8 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 4–4. Fouls committed: 8–16.
Lineups
Columbus Crew lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under W. Nancy, while FC Cincinnati deployed a 3-4-1-2 under P. Noonan.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Columbus Crew is 6.95, compared to 6.80 for FC Cincinnati. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Columbus Crew's highest-rated starter is S. Zawadzki (7.17), while FC Cincinnati's best-rated player is P. Bucha (7.11).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Columbus Crew have contributed 12 goals and 4 assists this season, led by J. Russell-Rowe (9G). FC Cincinnati's starters account for 1 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by P. Bucha (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Columbus Crew deploy 3 defenders rated 6.90 on average, against FC Cincinnati's 3-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Columbus Crew field 4 midfielders averaging 7.04, versus FC Cincinnati's 4 rated 7.11. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Columbus Crew start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.95, compared to 3 for FC Cincinnati averaging 6.50. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 56% for Columbus Crew and 42% for FC Cincinnati. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Columbus Crew's starters have collected 16 yellow cards this season, compared to 3 for FC Cincinnati. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Columbus Crew's starting XI is 27.3 (youngest: J. Russell-Rowe (23), oldest: D. Nagbe (35)), while FC Cincinnati average 27.0 (youngest: I. Murphy (25), oldest: C. Baird (29)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Columbus Crew's starters average 31 league appearances each, versus 14 for FC Cincinnati. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Columbus Crew have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. FC Cincinnati show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Columbus Crew
FC Cincinnati
Head to Head
Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati have met 5 times — Columbus Crew won 2, FC Cincinnati won 2, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 16 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.20 per match (10 for the home side, 6 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 3 matches (60%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 3 games (60%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–4 in 2025.
2
Columbus Crew
1
Drawn
2
FC Cincinnati
Recent Meetings (5)
API data: 15 Mar 2026