Match Summary
Columbus Crew defeated FC Cincinnati 4:2. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by P. Bucha 1′, Evander 5′, D. Rossi 42′, M. Arfsten 45′, M. Robinson 59′ (o.g.), T. Habroune 90′. 8 yellow cards were shown. FC Cincinnati had 50% possession while Columbus Crew held 50%. FC Cincinnati had 13 shots (4 on target) compared to 11 (4 on target) for Columbus Crew. Expected goals: FC Cincinnati 0.64 — Columbus Crew 1.10. FC Cincinnati made 5 substitutions, Columbus Crew made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew — 6 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Engel
assist: D. Chambost
Own Goal
Match Statistics
FC Cincinnati had 50% possession against Columbus Crew's 50%. FC Cincinnati registered 13 shots (4 on target) while Columbus Crew managed 11 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 5–4. Fouls committed: 9–16.
Lineups
FC Cincinnati lined up in a 3-5-2 formation under Patrick John Noonan, while Columbus Crew deployed a 3-4-2-1 under Wilfried Nancy.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for FC Cincinnati is 7.01, compared to 7.01 for Columbus Crew. 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. FC Cincinnati's highest-rated starter is K. Denkey (7.11), while Columbus Crew's best-rated player is M. Arfsten (7.41).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of FC Cincinnati have contributed 11 goals and 2 assists this season, led by K. Denkey (10G). Columbus Crew's starters account for 26 goals and 20 assists, spearheaded by J. Russell-Rowe (9G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
FC Cincinnati deploy 3 defenders rated — on average, against Columbus Crew's 3-man backline averaging 6.99. 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
FC Cincinnati field 5 midfielders averaging 6.95, versus Columbus Crew's 4 rated 7.08. 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
FC Cincinnati start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.11, compared to 3 for Columbus Crew averaging 6.98. 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 42% for FC Cincinnati and 57% for Columbus Crew. 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
FC Cincinnati's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 34 for Columbus Crew. 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 FC Cincinnati's starting XI is 27.0 (youngest: K. Denkey (25), oldest: T. Anunga (29)), while Columbus Crew average 26.9 (youngest: I. Aliyu (23), oldest: D. Nagbe (35)). 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
FC Cincinnati's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 31 for Columbus Crew. 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, FC Cincinnati have recorded 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats. Columbus Crew show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
FC Cincinnati
Columbus Crew
Head to Head
FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew have met 4 times — FC Cincinnati won 2, Columbus Crew won 1, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. FC Cincinnati leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 4 meetings. A combined 10 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.50 per match (4 for the home side, 6 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–0 in 2025.
2
FC Cincinnati
1
Drawn
1
Columbus Crew
Recent Meetings (4)
API data: 15 Mar 2026