Columbus Crew 1–1 FC Cincinnati

By Eduardo Acorda

In a tense and fiercely contested Ohio Derby, Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw that had moments of individual brilliance, tireless defending, and high-stakes drama. An early goal from Kévin Denkey was canceled out by a second-half penalty from Diego Rossi, as both sides ultimately failed to capitalize on a flurry of second-half chances in front of a roaring crowd at Lower.com Field.

First Half:

Early Spark for Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati struck early in the 6th minute after a bright start, with Kévin Denkey continuing his fine form. The move began with Evander da Silva Ferreira surging forward down the left. After dancing past a defender, he squared the ball to Denkey, who took a clean right-footed finish from the center of the box into the bottom left corner. The xG for the goal stood at a whopping 88%, reflecting the quality of the chance.

It was Denkey’s seventh goal of the season, a clinical finish that quieted the home fans and handed Cincinnati an early 1-0 lead.

Midfield Battle and Scattered Chances

The first half quickly evolved into a bruising midfield battle. Columbus tried to build momentum through the creative feet of Diego Rossi and Dániel Gazdag, but Miles Robinson and Matt Miazga stood tall for Cincinnati.

Columbus responded with several low xG chances, including a speculative effort from Max Arfsten in the 14th minute and a blocked shot by Mohamed Farsi in the 25th, both saved by Roman Celentano, who was solid throughout the match.

Cincinnati had their own moments too, including a long-range attempt from Pavel Bucha in the 22nd minute (8% xG), but Patrick Schulte denied him comfortably. Luca Orellano had a narrow miss in the 37th minute from a wide angle.

By halftime, the visitors led 1–0, having looked sharper and more composed in the early stages. Columbus had more possession but lacked the incisiveness to crack Cincinnati’s backline.

Second Half:Tactical Tweaks and Substitutions

Cincinnati made a halftime change, bringing on Yuya Kubo for Obinna Nwobodo, looking to gain more control in the middle third. Columbus began the second half with renewed intensity and purpose.

Their pressure paid off in the 54th minute when Nick Hagglund clumsily brought down Diego Rossi inside the penalty area. After a brief VAR check, the penalty was confirmed. Rossi coolly stepped up and slotted it into the bottom left corner for a deserved equalizer. The xG for the penalty was 77%, and Rossi’s celebration signaled a momentum shift.

Columbus Surge

From that point, Columbus turned the screws, launching wave after wave of attacks. In the span of 15 minutes, they fired off six shots:

• Gazdag’s header in the 49th minute (38% xG) flew over the bar.

• Russell-Rowe missed narrowly in the 71st minute (19% xG) and forced a fine save in the 73rd minute.

• Moreira missed a golden opportunity with a 24% xG header going over in the 75th minute.

• Chambost and Arfsten had low-probability attempts saved or blocked, with Celentano producing a series of strong saves.

Despite the pressure, Cincinnati’s defenders held firm. Miles Robinson and Hagglund were key in organizing the back line, while Celentano finished with six saves, some of which were point-blank.

Cincinnati’s Late Adjustments

Manager Pat Noonan looked to change the tide by introducing Kei Kamara and DeAndre Yedlin in the 79th minute. Kamara had one decent look in stoppage time—a 90+2 minute header with a 7% xG—but it was bravely blocked by Steven Moreira, summing up Columbus' commitment to defense.

Tactical Overview:

Columbus Crew (4-2-3-1):

• Played through the wings, particularly leaning on Diego Rossi and Chambost.

• Central midfielders Gazdag and Zawadzki orchestrated play but lacked precision in the final third.

• Defensive high line occasionally exposed by Cincinnati’s quick transitions.

FC Cincinnati (3-4-1-2):

• Relied on structured defensive shape and quick counter-attacks.

• Denkey operated as the lone spearhead, supported by Ferreira and Santos.

• Midfield pressing was effective early but waned in the second half.

Key Performers:

• Roman Celentano (CIN): ★★★★☆Six crucial saves and solid aerial command kept Cincinnati in the game during Columbus’ second-half onslaught.

• Diego Rossi (CLB): ★★★★☆Scored the equalizer and was the heartbeat of Columbus’ attack. Constantly drew fouls and created chances.

• Kévin Denkey (CIN): ★★★☆☆Took his chance clinically but faded in the second half as Columbus’ midfield took control.

• Miles Robinson (CIN): ★★★★☆Several key blocks and composed clearances under pressure.

Match Stats:

Statistic	Columbus	Cincinnati
Possession	61%	39%
Shots (on target)	17 (6)	9 (3)
xG (Expected Goals)	1.76	1.02
Corners	7	8
Fouls	13	16
Yellow Cards	0	1

Post-Match Reactions:

Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew Manager):"We pushed hard in the second half and created enough chances to win, but their keeper was excellent. It's a fair result, but we’ll look at what we could’ve done better in front of goal."

Pat Noonan (FC Cincinnati Manager):"I’m proud of the boys. We absorbed a lot of pressure and stayed organized. Getting a point away at Columbus is always positive."

Final Thoughts:

This 1–1 draw was a tactical chess match that evolved into a second-half siege. Columbus will feel they left points on the table, especially with their barrage of chances after equalizing. Cincinnati, meanwhile, will be pleased with the resilience they showed, especially from Celentano and their back three.

In the Eastern Conference playoff race, both teams showed credentials—but also highlighted areas needing improvement. For Columbus, it’s finishing; for Cincinnati, it’s second-half midfield control.