Overview
- The first-round MLS playoff series is tied 1-1, with the Game 3 winner advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
- Early live reports showed a cautious start and a 0-0 scoreline, including a Columbus chance cleared off the line by Kevin Denkey in the 42nd minute.
- Columbus forced the decider with a 4-0 win in Game 2 after Cincinnati took Game 1 1-0 at the same venue.
- Yuya Kubo is suspended for Cincinnati after his straight red in Game 2, while Columbus starts Taha Habroune, Andres Herrera, Sean Zawadzki and Diego Rossi.
- Wilfried Nancy highlighted Habroune’s emergence, Herrera has three goals in his last four matches, and Zawadzki’s return has coincided with a stingier Crew defense.