One of the fiercest rivalries in MLS has an added layer of intensity for Matchday 31's Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire clash, as FC Cincinnati host Columbus Crew in a Hell is Real Derby with major Audi MLS Cup Playoffs implications (5 pm ET | Apple TV).
Heading into the stretch run of the regular season, Columbus sit 13th in the Eastern Conference (32 points), just four points behind Cincinnati (36 points) for the final Wild Card position in ninth place.
With that playoff chase in mind, the typical passion of Hell is Real takes on an increased fervor on Sunday.
"Obviously, where we are in the season and knowing how the table is right now, and knowing that Cincy is ahead of us, it's a massive three points on the line in that game, with a lot of implications on the line," said Crew defender Sean Zawadzki.
"... Knowing what the magnitude of the game has in store for it in general, just knowing Hell is Real, how can we be ready to go from the first moment? The moment we get on the bus to head down to Cincinnati, how can we be ready [and] mentally focused for that game?”
Rivalry renewed
The Ohio-based derby's heated nature spans back to before Cincinnati were even an MLS club, when they pulled off a US Open 'Cupset' to knock Columbus out of the competition in 2017.
Nearly a decade later, that same vehemence has only grown.
"I think it's great. An Ohio Derby, there's nothing better for it. How much Ohio people love their sports teams, I think it goes a long way," said Zawadzki.
"They've always provided very entertaining games, fast-paced, the fire in it, the duels, whatever it may be, the history of it. I think it goes a long way for how this league is viewed. I think from the very first game, even the Open Cup game when Cincy was in USL, It's the same thing. It's that in-state rivalry. No matter what level it is, it's always gonna be there.”
As the rivals set up their 23rd all-time meeting, Columbus boast a 10W-6L-6D record. However, Cincinnati quickly flipped that advantage in their favor at home, posting a 5W-4L-4D record.
Likely, that's due to The Bailey – the 3,100-capacity safe-standing supporters' section at TQL Stadium, where the most passionate FCC fans make their voices heard at every home match.
“Every time that we've played in this game, [our fans] have been incredible. What I said even before the New England game is we have to give them a reason to have more life because of our play... It's our job to make sure that they feel good about the team that's out there performing," said Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan.
"... We appreciate what they bring to the game day experience, as always, and we know that it'll be elevated on Sunday.”
Survive the scrap
In their last meeting, a 2-1 home win for the Crew in July, those enhanced emotions bubbled to the surface by full time.
Cincinnati forward Gerard Valenzuela was shown a red card in second-half stoppage time, sparking a scuffle that continued down the tunnel postgame and led to disciplinary action against four members of each team, including both managers.
For each, it was a lesson in managing derby emotions.
"To keep your head in the right mentality, because we know that it's gonna be, by default, a little bit electric, so make sure we stay composed," Crew interim head coach Laurent Courtois said of lessons learned. "If we can also make it a little bit sparkly in a way, we'll try to, but with the right reasons.”
Given that Cincy have endured the joint-second-most red cards (seven) in MLS this season, Noonan is similarly focused on ensuring his team directs that added adrenaline into the right areas.
“How you use your energy, how you use your intensity. How do you do it in a controlled way where the running is purposeful when you have the ball and when you're defending against the ball? It's connected," outlined Noonan.
"It’s not guys trying to show that they have energy and intensity, but they're doing it on their own or they're doing it in the wrong way where you're reckless. You try to have that intensity without reckless behaviors.”
Clearly, the players have received the message.
“I think the game always is ready for the fire. I think that's just what the game itself brings," said Zawadzki. "Whether we're in Columbus or we're in Cincinnati, no matter the stadium, the fans were always gonna bring the energy and it's gonna bring that fire on the field. Duels mean more, tackles mean more, everything means more, knowing what the game is.
"It’s, how can we keep our heads? If they go off and do their thing? Okay, fine, we're gonna stick to how we play. We’re gonna keep our heads, and we're gonna be ready to go.”
Postseason pursuit
Holding a four-point lead in the Eastern Conference table with a game in hand, Cincinnati will see Sunday night as a chance to solidify their postseason positioning while putting a nail in their rivals' coffin.
However, with FCC only managing one win in their last eight matches, a high-flying Crew side that have won four of their last five games across all competitions while booking their place in the US Open Cup final against St. Louis CITY SC on Wednesday may view Hell is Real as a prime opportunity to vault themselves back into the playoff conversation.
Neither is mincing words about the match's magnitude.
“There's just more pressure to get things right because you have less time and it depends on the position that you're in," said Noonan. "For us, it's positioning ourselves to make the playoffs because unfortunately that's the spot that we're in. Same with Columbus. They're behind us trying to get into the playoffs. So, the games become more meaningful."
With each team sporting a pair of star Designated Players - Brazilian maestro Evander and club-record signing Kévin Denkey for Cincinnati, and recently arrived midfielders Brais Méndez and Santiago Rodríguez for Columbus - both sides have the talent to treat their fans to three points in the derby.
The only question is who will bring their best on Sunday.
“It's a rivalry. It's always gonna be heated, especially between these two teams," said USMNT and Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. "But for us, it's more so trying to climb the table as much as possible, worrying about just getting three points, and just continuing to climb.”
Adding, “Obviously, road wins, they say, aren't easy, but to win in a place like that in a rivalry game, with an atmosphere that will be kicking off, I'm sure. To be able to get three points down there would be huge.”
