FC Cincinnati continued its frustrating run against archrival Columbus Crew, falling 2-0 in the “Hell is Real” derby on Oct. 18 at TQL Stadium. The loss leaves Cincinnati with a 9-11-9 record for 36 points, while Columbus Crew sits just one point behind with 35 points and a 10-15-5 record. The atmosphere at TQL Stadium was electric, with the Forge Cincy supporters group unveiling a massive tifo that energized the crowd throughout the match, despite the disappointing result for the home side.
Despite dominating possession and shots, FC Cincinnati falls short in the Hell is Real derby.
Statistically, the match presented a stark contrast between effort and execution. FC Cincinnati dominated the offensive metrics, registering 24 shots with nine on target and an expected goals (xG) value of 1.9. Conversely, Columbus Crew managed only four shots, two on target, and a mere 0.3 xG. Despite this overwhelming statistical advantage, Cincinnati failed to convert their chances, marking the fifth time this season the team has been held scoreless. The inability to finish played a decisive role in the outcome, allowing the visitors to secure a crucial three points in the race for playoff positioning.
Head coach Nick Hagglund acknowledged the difficulty of the season while expressing deep gratitude for the unwavering support of the fanbase. “They were loud the entire time,” Hagglund said. “You know, regardless of the score, they’ve been here. I’ve been through good seasons and bad seasons and they are the heartbeat of this club.” With five games remaining, Hagglund emphasized the need to maintain this connection with the supporters, noting that “anything can happen” in the final stretch of the MLS regular season. The focus now shifts to converting dominance into goals as both teams battle for a spot in the postseason.
Source: Yahoo Sports
