The latest installment of Major League Soccer’s fiercest regional rivalry — the “Hell Is Real” Derby — lived up to its name, if not in final scoreline, then certainly in drama and implication. FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew SC played to a pulsating 1–1 draw on Saturday night at Lower.com Field, in front of a sellout crowd of 20,363 fans who ensured the atmosphere matched the stakes.
While the match didn’t produce a winner, it provided a revealing snapshot of two top-tier teams with legitimate MLS Cup ambitions and superstar talent delivering in pressure moments. For FC Cincinnati, the performance offered reasons for optimism as they continue their evolution under head coach Pat Noonan. For the Crew, it was another gritty display of resilience — and another step in their ongoing push to return to the summit of the Eastern Conference.
Evander and Denkey: Cincinnati’s New Era Is Taking Shape
Coming into the 2024 season, FC Cincinnati had to contend with the departure of talismanic midfielder Luciano Acosta, whose vision and playmaking had long defined the team’s identity. But the club didn’t hesitate to retool.
Their response? Signing Brazilian midfielder Evander and splashing a (briefly held) league-record $16.2 million on Togo international Kévin Denkey. That bold investment continues to pay off — and Saturday offered more evidence that the duo could be the cornerstones of a new Cincinnati era.
Denkey scored his fifth goal in six games — and eighth in MLS play — with a tidy finish after a sublime improvised assist from Evander, who bicycle-flicked a deflected cross into his teammate’s path. It was Denkey’s 10th goal for the club in just 17 appearances across all competitions. The duo have now combined for 13 goals through 15 matches, a remarkable tally for two players still building chemistry.
For manager Pat Noonan, their form is a sign of things clicking. “When we simplify things, the game becomes easier,” Noonan said post-match. “The understanding they’re developing near goal is real — they’re finding ways to create chances, to find space, and ultimately, to score.”
The assist marked the first direct goal connection between Evander and Denkey — a promising milestone as Cincinnati eyes silverware.
A Hard-Fought Point for Cincinnati
While the Denkey goal put the visitors in front early, a second-half penalty conversion by Diego Rossi for Columbus pulled things level, and that’s where the scoring ended. Yet, for Cincinnati, the 1–1 result wasn’t without merit.
The club had just beaten Toronto FC midweek and entered the derby with heavy legs. Despite Columbus generating 2.68 expected goals (xG) to Cincinnati’s 0.82 — and dominating in both possession (68%) and shots (16 to 7) — Noonan’s side defended resolutely, led by a man-of-the-match performance from goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Celentano made a series of outstanding saves, none bigger than his diving stop in the 73rd minute to deny Jacen Russell-Rowe’s thumping header. The second-half surge from Columbus was relentless, but Celentano’s composure kept Cincinnati afloat.
“We were second-best tonight,” Noonan admitted. “But the guys showed heart. It’s a hard-fought point, especially on the road, on short rest, in a derby environment.”
The draw keeps FC Cincinnati in second place in the Eastern Conference and tied atop the Supporters’ Shield race with Philadelphia. More importantly, it reinforces their resilience — the team is now 17-7-2 under Noonan when playing on less than three days’ rest.
Crew Command the Ball, But Not the Scoreline
For the Columbus Crew, Saturday night may feel like a missed opportunity. Wilfried Nancy’s men were dominant in possession and created high-quality chances throughout, but couldn’t find a second goal beyond Rossi’s penalty in the 54th minute.
It wasn’t for lack of trying. From Max Arfsten’s sharp 14th-minute effort, to Mohamed Farsi’s near goal from point-blank range in the 25th, to Gazdag’s scuffed chance in the 78th — the Crew were ever-dangerous. Yet, they found themselves repeatedly stymied by Celentano.
The penalty was awarded after Rossi’s touch deflected off Nick Hagglund’s hand in the box. Rossi calmly slotted the equalizer low and left, sending Celentano the wrong way.
Jacen Russell-Rowe provided a lively spark off the bench, twice getting on the end of crosses that he failed to convert. Still, Nancy was encouraged. "We fought to the end," he said. "We showed once again that we belong among the best in this league.”
Now unbeaten in five matches, the Crew remain third in the East — but they’ve taken points from both Philadelphia and Cincinnati during this stretch, signaling their capacity to thrive in the postseason hunt.
Beyond the Pitch: A Showcase for Ohio Soccer
Beyond the tactics and talent, Saturday was a showcase for the growth of soccer in Ohio. The 17th edition of the Hell Is Real Derby featured a packed stadium, intense fan energy, and a high-stakes battle with real implications.
Adding to the occasion was the ceremonial return of former Crew homegrown talent Aidan Morris, now with English Championship side Middlesbrough. His match-ball presentation was a poignant reminder of the pipeline Columbus continues to build.
And while both teams left with only a point, they also left with validation. Cincinnati’s star power is real. Columbus’ system remains one of the most fluid in the league. Both teams are poised for deep playoff runs — and if Saturday was a preview of a potential postseason rematch, MLS fans should take note.
What’s Next
- FC Cincinnati travels to face Atlanta United next weekend in a marquee clash, where Denkey will go head-to-head with Emmanuel Latte Lath — the two most expensive signings in MLS history.
- Columbus Crew hit the road to take on Charlotte FC as they look to climb further up the standings.
With the Eastern Conference heating up and star duos emerging across the league, Saturday’s rivalry clash wasn’t just a battle for bragging rights — it was a statement about the league’s evolving quality, the depth of its clubs, and the potential for even more electrifying showdowns in the months to come.
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