Cincinnati, Ohio, October 20, 2025
News Summary
FC Cincinnati, the No. 2 seed, is set to compete against No. 7 seed Columbus Crew in a best-of-3 series during the MLS Cup Playoffs. Game 1 will kick off at TQL Stadium, followed by Game 2 in Columbus. The playoff format will ensure a definite winner, with matches decided by penalty kicks if necessary. Fans can watch the matches on national television or listen on local radio. Both teams aim to build momentum, with Cincinnati performing strongly of late and Columbus looking to overcome recent struggles.
Cincinnati, Ohio – The stage is set for a gripping showdown in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs as FC Cincinnati, the No. 2 seed, prepares to face the No. 7 seed Columbus Crew in a round one best-of-3 series. The playoffs kick off with Game 1 taking place on Monday, October 27, at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, starting at 6:45 p.m. ET.
Tickets for Game 1 are currently available for purchase at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets. Fans can catch the action live on national television through Fox Sports 1, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and Fox Deportes. Local radio broadcasts will be provided in English on iHeart Fox Sports 1360 and in Spanish on La Mega 101.5 FM.
Following Game 1, the series will shift to Lower.com Field in Columbus for Game 2 on Sunday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET. That match will also be viewable on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with the same local radio options available. If necessary, a Game 3 will be held at TQL Stadium on Saturday, November 8, with the kickoff time still to be determined.
Playoff Format Details
Every match during this round will determine a definitive winner, eliminating the possibility of ties or aggregate scores. In the event of a draw at the end of regulation, the match will be decided by penalty kicks, as no extra time will be played. The first team to secure two victories in the series will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Upcoming Matches and Broadcast Information
| Game | Date | Location | Time (ET) | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | October 27 | TQL Stadium, Cincinnati | 6:45 PM | Fox Sports 1, MLS Season Pass, Fox Deportes |
| Game 2 | November 2 | Lower.com Field, Columbus | 6:30 PM | MLS Season Pass |
| Game 3 (if necessary) | November 8 | TQL Stadium, Cincinnati | To Be Determined | To Be Determined |
Club Performance and Background
FC Cincinnati earned the No. 2 seed in the playoffs after a decisive 3-0 victory against Montreal on Decision Day. Conversely, the Columbus Crew clinched the No. 7 seed, overcoming the New York Red Bulls with a 3-1 win in their last match. Both teams will be looking to build momentum; FC Cincinnati has enjoyed success recently, winning four of their last five matches, while Columbus has secured only one win in their previous five outings.
Additional Events and Fan Engagement Opportunities
Supporters are invited to kick off the playoffs at a special Playoffs Launch Party hosted at MadTree Parks & Rec in Blue Ash on Wednesday, October 22, commencing at 6:30 p.m. Coverage throughout the playoffs will include special editions of MLS Countdown and MLS Wrap-Up, alongside Spanish programming such as MLS La Previa and El Resumen.
The MLS Cup final is slated for Saturday, December 6, promising excitement for soccer fans as the playoffs advance.
FAQ Section
When is Game 1 of the FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew playoff series?
Game 1 is scheduled for Monday, October 27, at 6:45 p.m. ET at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
Where can I buy tickets for Game 1?
Tickets for Game 1 are available for purchase at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets.
How will the playoff format work?
The series will be a best-of-3 format, where the first team to win two matches advances. If a match ends in a tie, the winner will be decided by penalty kicks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card Matches Confirmed
Injury Report Before Matchday 33: MLS Teams Face Key Player Absences
Lionel Messi Leads MLS MVP Race
Portland Timbers Set to Face San Diego FC on Decision Day
MLS Teams Prepare for Decision Day Drama
Son Heung-Min’s Impactful MLS Debut for LAFC
MLS Weekend Injury Report: Key Players Sidelined
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
