FC Cincinnati hosts Columbus Crew in first playoff matchup of intense derby, despite Crew injuries.

The Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati open a best-of-three MLS playoff series in the intense "Hell Is Real" derby, with FC Cincinnati hosting the No. 7 Crew. FC Cincinnati, the No. 2 seed, features key attackers Evander (18 goals, 15 assists) and Kevin Denkey (15 goals, 2 assists), while the Crew face injury setbacks, including leading scorer Diego Rossi (hamstring) and new designated player Wessam Abou Ali (ankle fracture), both questionable. The series continues Sunday in Columbus, with both teams aiming to build momentum for a deep playoff run.