11-07-2025
Stakes especially high for FC Cincinnati in Hell is Real matchup
Just minutes after FC Cincinnati defeated the Chicago Fire FC 2-1 Saturday, July 5, some players were already thinking about the next week.
Midfielder Pavel Bucha said he and a few teammates started talking about it in the cold tub postgame.
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Hell Is Real week was imminent.
As FC Cincinnati gears up for its rivalry match against the Columbus Crew, the stakes are always high. But with both teams chasing the MLS Supporters' Shield, the Orange and Blue, first in the league, and the Crew, just four points behind, know what's involved Saturday, July 12.
'It's going to be big, everyone can feel it, and we know what we need to do,' Bucha said of Hell Is Real after playing the Fire.
It will be the second time the two sides face off this year, with the first resulting in a 1-1 draw in Columbus. That fixture in May came at the end of a multi-game match week for both teams. But this time, each group has the entire week to prepare.
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With the extra days, coach Pat Noonan said the team has focused on how they can impact the game on the ball, with less emphasis on the Crew. Still, he touted the Crew's ability to play under pressure and make adjustments. He also said their opposition can pounce on errors to punish their opponents.
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FC Cincinnati and the Crew have led the MLS in points since 2023. The Orange and Blue are 4-7-6 in Hell Is Real games, dating back to 2017 when they were a United Soccer League franchise.
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The home environment could give FC Cincinnati a lift this weekend. The stadium will be 'Orange(ed) Out" as the team looks to maintain its first-place Supporters' Shield position.
'Our environment at TQL (Stadium), those games feel different, and it's fun to be a part of,' Noonan said. 'Both teams have been successful over the last few years, and that's made for entertaining games (and) a good level in the games being played, with whatever the record is.'
FC Cincinnati fans enter the stadium before the game against the Columbus Crew at Field for the Hell is Real Derby on Saturday, May 17.
A U.S. Men's National Team player returns to both sides
Both teams could welcome back a player from the United States Men's National Team at the Gold Cup just in time for the match. Defender Miles Robinson returned to training with FC Cincinnati, while The Columbus Dispatch's Brianna Mac Kay noted midfielder Max Arfsten re-joined the Crew this week.
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Robinson's return is notable for the Orange and Blue as the team has dealt with a slew of injuries in the All-Star's absence. Against the Fire, just one center back was available, Matt Miazga, while two wing backs joined the back three alongside him.
While Lukas Engel, Alvas Powell and other defensively-capable players have performed solidly in back-line roles at times this season, Robinson adds quality and more flexibility to the squad.
'It's good to have Miles back, certainly a long absence, but you can see in a couple (of) days, he's excited to be back,' Noonan said. 'We're excited to have him back. His teammates are (excited). (He) gives us more options, more depth.'
More: FC Cincinnati's Evander and Miles Robinson selected to 2025 MLS All-Star Game
FC Cincinnati will receive a boost from defender Mile Robinson, center, who has returned from the United States Men's National Team at the Gold Cup just in time for the match with the Crew.
Noonan also commented on the team's injured players, noting that forward Sérgio Santos will be available against the Crew, and defender Gilberto Flores' situation has become 'more promising' than it was earlier in the week. Conversely, defender Nick Hagglund is 'close' to a return but is likely unavailable this weekend, with hope that he will appear against Inter Miami CF, the match following Columbus. Meanwhile, forward Yūya Kubo remains out.
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Evander riding momentum into Hell Is Real
In the attack, Evander has stood out for FC Cincinnati over the past month. The Brazilian has scored five goals and notched two assists in the past three matches.
Evander had an assist in his first Hell Is Real matchup. He said he enjoyed that game, but expects this weekend's edition of it to be 'much better' because the Orange and Blue are playing at home.
Evander, who has scored five goals and notched two assists in the past three matches, had an assist in the first match with the Columbus Crew, a 1-1 draw.
'There's extra motivation, because it's a big game, especially for the fans, and we want to win as we want to win every game,' Evander said.
The game will kick off around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Stakes especially high for FC Cincinnati in Hell is Real matchup
