OHIO — FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew both took care of business Saturday, picking up three crucial points in their pursuit of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately for the two Ohio clubs, the New York Red Bulls did the same.
New York defeated Inter Miami, 2-0, Saturday night, earning three points of its own and preventing Cincinnati and Columbus from gaining additional ground in the crowded Eastern Conference standings.
The Red Bulls entered the night with 36 points, one point behind Columbus after the Crew's afternoon victory over Toronto FC. Their win over Miami moved them to 39 points, allowing New York to reclaim ninth place and remain above the playoff line.
New York took an early lead when Miami midfielder Casemiro scored an own goal in the seventh minute. Emil Forsberg added an insurance goal in second-half stoppage time, sealing a victory that could prove important in the final weeks of the regular season.
Cincinnati had an especially productive week, sweeping two matches against D.C. United in four days. The Orange and Blue followed Wednesday's 2-1 home victory with a 2-0 road win Saturday, collecting six points and improving to 42 on the season.
That leaves FCC in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, three points ahead of New York. Cincinnati remains in a playoff position, but the Red Bulls' victory means the Orange and Blue still have plenty of work to do.
Columbus also helped its cause Saturday, defeating Toronto FC, 4-2, behind two goals from Malte Amundsen. The Crew have now won three consecutive league matches and improved to 38 points, just one behind New York.
However, the Red Bulls' victory prevented Columbus from holding onto the final playoff position. The Crew remain on the outside looking in despite their recent winning streak.
Under the MLS playoff format, the top seven teams in each conference advance directly to the first round, while the eighth- and ninth-place teams meet in a wild-card match. With Cincinnati, New York, and Columbus separated by just four points, the final weeks could determine which clubs extend their seasons.
The Red Bulls' win was particularly impressive considering the opponent. Inter Miami entered Saturday near the top of the conference with 55 points, but New York managed to keep Miami off the scoreboard and secure a result that could have a major impact on the playoff race.
Both Ohio clubs have difficult assignments ahead. Cincinnati travels to face Inter Miami on Wednesday, October 28, while Columbus visits FC Dallas the same night.
For Cincinnati, the goal is to protect its position above the playoff line and continue building on a successful week. The Crew have less room for error, needing to maintain their winning streak while hoping teams ahead of them drop points.
Saturday was a good day for Ohio soccer, but the Red Bulls made sure neither club could get too comfortable. With three matches remaining for all three teams, the race for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spots is far from settled.
