Both teams had their fair share of drama on their way to the finals, Columbus Crew have been here before while Cincinnati are seeking their first title.
Andy HallUpdate: Nov 26th, 2023 14:15 EST
Nathan Ray SeebeckUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew both left it late to book their place in this year’s Eastern Conference final – both semi-finals were settled after the full 90 minutes had been played. Yerson Mosquera latched onto a loose ball to rifle in the winner in stoppage-time as regular season champions Cincinnati pipped Philadelphia Union 1-0.
MOSQUERA'S MOMENTYerson Mosquera puts Cincinnati in front at the death!#AllForCincy // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/JrG7L7pB8m
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 26, 2023
Long and close-range for the Crew
The other semi-final, between Orlando City and Columbus Crew went to extra-time after two goalless halves in Florida. Christian Ramirez put Columbus ahead, bundling the ball in from close range just three minutes after the restart and Chuco Hernández settled it from a little further out – finishing into an empty net from the halfway line after keeper Pedro Gallese ventured out of the safety of his penalty area.
CUCHO FROM MIDFIELD 🤯Simply incredible. 2-0 to @ColumbusCrew.#Crew96 // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/SQKOcWWmpv
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 26, 2023
Tension in the playoffs
Both teams had their fair share of ups and downs to get where they are today – after comfortably topping the Eastern Conference in the regular phase, Cincinnati resolved their Round 1 playoff against the New York Red Bulls after a nail-biting shootout that went to 20 spot-kicks.
Columbus’ Round One tie went to a third game after Atlanta tied the series, beating Wilfried Nancy’s team 4-2. The Crew bounced back to beat their opponents by the same scoreline at Lower Field to progress to the semis.
Emotions are pouring out. 🥺@fccincinnati is headed to the Eastern Conference Final! // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/qObL52lwyG
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 26, 2023
Top goal scorers against one of the strongest defences
During the regular phase, Cincinnati lost just five games and apart from a 5-1 thrashing to Western Conference rivals St Louis back in April, have looked pretty solid at the back since the season started. This will be their first appearance in the Conference finals and the closest they have ever been to getting their hands on the MLS Cup. Their relative inexperience at this stage of the tournament could be a factor against a side who have been here many times.
Memories last forever 🫶 pic.twitter.com/hH2gUteZkt
— S – FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) November 26, 2023
