Two historic rivals that date back before their MLS feud are now two of the best teams in the entire league. When FC Cincinnati visits Columbus Crew on Matchday 14, they do so for one of the most anticipated “Hell is Real” matches ever.
FC Cincinnati come into the matchup after a routine 1–0 win over a struggling Toronto FC side midweek, while Columbus hopes to bounce back after a 1–1 draw with CF Montreal, who are also near the bottom of the Supporters' Shield standings.
Both teams have started strong in 2025, sitting in the top three in the Eastern Conference heading into Rivalry Week. However, their matchup might be the toughest either has had this season.
Brimming with attacking talents of Diego Rossi, Daniel Gazdag, Evander, and Kévin Denkey, Saturday afternoon’s clash could go down as one of the best games in 2025, and that's without mentioning 40-year-old Kei Kamara, who recently debuted for Cincinnati, his 12th MLS club.
"It's going to be an intense game," Crew striker Jacen Russell-Rowe said. "Cincy loves to be on the front foot and it's big rivalry."
Here's everything you need to know before Saturday’s match between Columbus and Cincinnati.
