Cincinnati, Ohio, October 20, 2025
News Summary
FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew are set to face off in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, as Cincinnati holds home field advantage in the best-of-3 series. The first game is scheduled at TQL Stadium, with tickets available for purchase. Fans can tune in via various broadcast options. The series is critical for both teams in their pursuit of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With recent strong performances from FC Cincinnati and a history of competition, the matchup promises to be a thrilling start to the playoffs.
Cincinnati, Ohio – FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew Gear Up for Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
Major League Soccer (MLS) has unveiled the schedule for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series, pitting FC Cincinnati against the Columbus Crew. FC Cincinnati, the No. 2 seed, will enjoy home field advantage, hosting Games 1 and 3 (if necessary). This highly anticipated matchup marks a significant moment for both teams as they vie for a spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The series begins with Game 1 scheduled for Monday, October 27, at 6:45 p.m. ET, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Tickets for this game are currently available for purchase at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets. The match will be broadcasted live on Fox Sports 1, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and Fox Deportes. For local radio listeners, coverage will be provided by iHeart Fox Sports 1360 in English and La Mega 101.5 FM in Spanish.
Game 2 is set to take place at Lower.com Field in Columbus on Sunday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET. This game will also stream on MLS Season Pass, with radio coverage mirroring that of Game 1. Should a Game 3 be necessary, it will occur back at TQL Stadium on Saturday, November 8, with the kickoff time to be determined.
Notably, each match in this playoff round will result in a definitive winner. Games that end in a tie at regulation will proceed directly to penalty kicks, eliminating the need for extra time. The first team to win two matches advances to the next playoff round.
Key Matchup Information
In recent performances, FC Cincinnati has demonstrated strong momentum, achieving four wins in their last five matches, while Columbus Crew has secured only one victory in the same timeframe. Cincinnati secured the No. 2 seed during Decision Day by defeating the Montreal Impact 3-0, while Columbus clinched the No. 7 spot with a 3-1 win against the New York Red Bulls.
Historically, the competition between these two teams has seen Columbus edge out Cincinnati, with the last postseason encounter occurring in 2023, where Columbus triumphed with a 3-2 victory after extra time. This season’s faceoffs have left Cincinnati with only one win, one loss, and one draw in their two meetings.
As the excitement builds, fans are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Playoffs Launch Party at MadTree Parks & Rec in Blue Ash on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 6:30 p.m.. The playoffs will feature extensive coverage, including special editions of MLS Countdown, MLS Wrap-Up, as well as Spanish programs like MLS La Previa and El Resumen.
Fans will be able to watch every matchup throughout the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs on MLS Season Pass, which will be available for free to Apple TV subscribers. The MLS Cup final is anticipated for Saturday, December 6, wrapping up this thrilling season.
Match Overview
| Match | Date | Time | Location | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | October 27 | 6:45 PM ET | TQL Stadium, Cincinnati | Fox Sports 1, MLS Season Pass |
| Game 2 | November 2 | 6:30 PM ET | Lower.com Field, Columbus | MLS Season Pass |
| Game 3 (if necessary) | November 8 | TBD | TQL Stadium, Cincinnati | TBD |
FAQ
When is Game 1 between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew?
Game 1 is scheduled for 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 at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets.
How will the games be broadcast?
Game 1 will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV; Game 2 will stream on MLS Season Pass, with local radio coverage available.
What happens if the matches are tied?
If a match is tied at regulation, the winner will be determined through penalty kicks, with no extra time being played.
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