COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew once again proved why home-field advantage has mattered in the Hell Is Real Derby.
After falling behind early, Columbus scored twice before halftime and held off a late push from FC Cincinnati to earn a 2-1 victory Saturday night at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The win snapped Cincinnati's five-match road unbeaten streak and gave the Crew an important three points in the Eastern Conference standings.
FC Cincinnati struck first in the ninth minute when Kévin Denkey finished a setup from Evander and Pavel Bucha for his 15th goal in all competitions this season. The early goal quieted the home crowd, but Columbus steadily worked its way back into the match by controlling possession and creating opportunities in the attacking third.
The equalizer arrived in the 42nd minute.
Dylan Chambost delivered a corner kick into the penalty area, where Jamal Thiaré rose above the defense and headed the ball into the back of the net to level the match at 1-1. Deep into first-half stoppage time, the Crew completed the comeback after Max Arfsten was fouled inside the box. Dániel Gazdag calmly converted the penalty kick, sending Columbus into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.
The second half featured the intensity expected whenever Ohio's two MLS clubs meet.
Patrick Schulte preserved the lead with several key saves, while the Crew defense withstood Cincinnati's pressure over the final 45 minutes. Tempers flared in stoppage time when FC Cincinnati's Gerardo Valenzuela was shown a red card following a reckless challenge on Taha Habroune, bringing another heated chapter to one of Major League Soccer's fiercest rivalries.
Columbus finished with a slight edge in possession and shots on target, making the most of its opportunities after conceding the opening goal. More importantly, the Crew earned a rivalry victory that provided momentum as they continued climbing the Eastern Conference standings.
What's Next: The Crew continue MLS play Friday when they host Inter Miami CF at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The match will feature another marquee Eastern Conference matchup as Columbus looks to build on its rivalry victory.