There will be a Hell Is Real rivalry between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final, which is already scheduled. In a match that included an absurd midfield goal, the Columbus Crew upset Orlando City SC 2-0 in extra time on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Supporters’ Shield champions defeated the Philadelphia Union 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Yerson Mosquera.
Observe the following:
Columbus deliver late
With Christian Ramirez scoring the first goal in the 92nd minute and Cucho Hernandez sealing the victory towards the conclusion of extra time, the result makes the match appear even more lopsided than it did in regulation. After Rodrigo Schlegel received his second yellow card for a foul in the 77th minute, Orlando was down to 10 men. Despite this, Pedro Gallese made five saves to help the Lions stay in the game.
Ramirez entered the game in the 92nd minute, but Orlando’s defence held strong until he scored right away. He declared that he had a few reasons to celebrate after the game.
“Take me back to my wife so I may see my child. Ramirez declared, “My wife is in labour.
In addition to celebrating his journey to the Eastern Conference Final, where he will play FC Cincinnati or the Philadelphia Union, he is also getting ready for the new baby. Although Hernandez scored a goal to remember, Ramirez is the player of the game.
Hernandez, who has been a key player for the Crew this season, saw that Gallese was out of his net and fired a precise shot from close range, making it look much simpler to score than it actually was. The Crew has scored 17 goals this season.
CUCHO FROM MIDFIELD 🤯
Simply incredible. 2-0 to @ColumbusCrew.#Crew96 // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/SQKOcWWmpv
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 26, 2023
The controversy in Cincinnati
The on-loan Mosquera was thrust into an unusual position as a sweeper without the suspended Matt Miazga, but his game-winning goal was not without controversy. The goal was validated following a VAR review, however in real time, Ian Murphy’s flick-on appeared to be offside. The Union felt defeated at that point after fighting for over ninety minutes, despite losing midfielder Jose Martinez to injury during the game. The goal came in stoppage time.
MOSQUERA'S MOMENT
Yerson Mosquera puts Cincinnati in front at the death!#AllForCincy // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/JrG7L7pB8m
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 26, 2023
There is some history between the two clubs because Ray Gaddis is the Philadelphia Union’s all-time appearance leader and Alvas Powell played for their next opponent. Pat Noonan, the coach of FC Cincinnati, was Jim Curtin’s former assistant. That familiarity helped in a game where the teams couldn’t be separated, but Cincinnati came through when it mattered most, and that’s why they moved up to the top seed and are still the favourites to win the MLS Cup.
What’s next
It will be a fierce matchup when the Eastern Conference Final takes place at TQL Stadium on December 2 at 6 p.m. ET. Although Miazga may not be able to play in the game, Cincinnati will need all the support they can get to defeat Hernandez and the Crew.