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fc cincinnati vs columbus crew 2023
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew: 2023 MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal Preview
FC Cincinnati Continues to Impress in Historic Season; Columbus Crew Aiming To Maintain Strong Playoff Form
FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew will face off in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. FC Cincinnati made history this season, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in their five-year MLS existence. The Crew, meanwhile, are looking to make a deep playoff run after winning the US Open Cup earlier this year. Here's a preview of the highly anticipated matchup:
FC Cincinnati's Impressive Season Continues
FC Cincinnati has been one of the surprise teams in MLS this season. After finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference in 2022 and failing to make the playoffs, many did not expect much from the Orange and Blue in 2023. However, under the guidance of first-year manager Pat Noonan, the team has thrived, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference and securing a home playoff game in the first round.
FC Cincinnati's success this season is due in large part to their strong defense, which has been one of the best in MLS all season. The team has conceded just 38 goals in 34 regular season games and kept 15 clean sheets. This is the second fewest goals conceded in MLS to only the Philadelphia Union.
In addition to their strong defense, FC Cincinnati has also been dangerous going forward, scoring 50 goals in the regular season. Brenner has led the way for the Orange and Blue, scoring 18 goals in the regular season, second only to Austin FC's Sebastian Driussi.
Columbus Crew Aiming To Maintain Strong Playoff Form
The Columbus Crew are no strangers to the MLS playoffs, having won the MLS Cup in 2020 and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last year. The Crew had a disappointing regular season in 2023, only finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference and just securing a playoff berth on the final day of the season.
However, the Crew have shown strong form in the playoffs, winning their first-round match against the New England Revolution 2-0. The Crew will be looking to continue their strong playoff form and reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year.
The Crew will need to be at their best to defeat FC Cincinnati, who have been one of the most in-form teams in MLS all season. The Crew will need to find a way to break down FC Cincinnati's strong defense and create chances for their dangerous attackers.
Key Matchups
There are several key matchups to watch in this Eastern Conference Semifinal: