Crew Sees Off FC Cincinnati In Heated Rivalry Matchup
COLUMBUS, OH – It is always a match where all numbers and stats can be thrown out the window. Sure, the two rival Ohio clubs are heading in opposite directions, with the Columbus Crew sitting outside a playoff spot, while rival FC Cincinnati has its eyes set on hosting a postseason game.
That being said, you would never know based on how the first leg of the regular season rivalry played out.
A packed ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus saw the hottest player in Major League Soccer score yet another goal, when Kevin Denkey opened the scoring for the visitors in just the ninth minute. It’s the Cincinnati number nine’s fifth goal in his last six matches in Major League Soccer competition.
Though the Crew kept up the pressure for the rest of the half, finally equalizing in the 41st minute behind Jamal Thiaré’s first goal in the home yellow and black, before Daniel Gazdag buried a penalty just before halftime.
“This is a game of emotion for sure, but also, we are doing the stuff that we agree are going to put us in the position to succeed” said interim manager Laurent Courtois about the finish to the half.
“The most important thing is that we won this big game” said Gazdag, whose penalty kick was his second in as many matches this week. “It was really important for us, especially after (going) down 0-1. I think we fought really good, and it gives a lot of confidence to me and to the team as well.”
While the second half lacked goals, it didn’t lack any opportunities or fireworks. In his 100th appearance for the club, Patrick Schulte came up time and time again with four saves to keep the visitors out.
In case it was still a secret that the two clubs aren’t to fond of one another, the finish to the Crew’s victory reinforced that. As the Crew attempted to waste the remaining moments of the match, FC Cincinnati midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela committed a dangerous foul on Crew midfielder Taha Habroune, not only enciting the wrath of Habroune’s teammates, but sending the visitors down to 10 men to finish an entertaining game.
“Soccer is a game of emotion, obviously. I hope the player regrets what he did. It’s not good. It’s not good” said Courtois.
As the final whistle blew, Crew defender Mohamed Farsi wasted no time attempting to confront Valenzuela in the tunnel area just off the field while being restrained by teammates.
“We were a bit frustrated of what happened on the field. I think it was just vicious” said Farsi, who played in his six rivalry match against the Crew’s cross-state foes. “At the end of the day, we all play the same sport. I know it’s a derby, but he needs to have some sportsmanship” added the 26-year old Canadian.
The rivalry never fails to deliver, regardless of the wins, losses, standings, or otherwise, and the first leg of 2026 was no different.
The Crew currently sits in eleventh place in the Eastern Conference, three points out of a wild card spot for the playoffs. FC Cincinnati falls from fifth place to seventh place, as each team loads up for a busy second half of the regular season.
The second match between the two rivals takes place on Sunday, October 18 from TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
