When the full-time whistle chirped Saturday night, fireworks launched from the roof of TQL Stadium as it was announced FC Cincinnati clinched a spot in the 2024 postseason.
The same happened for the Columbus Crew, however, there was no fanfare or celebrating for the defending champions. Instead, they were disappointed they couldn’t earn three points on the road against their rival.
“It was a good game. We had a few chances and could have scored at least one goal,” head coach Wilfried Nancy said afterward. “The chances that they had, yes, they had [them] in terms of turnovers. A bit disappointed that we didn't score at least one goal.
“Yes, we could have been better in terms of size up the moment with the ball to speed up the player to keep it, but listen, it was a good game.”
Hell is Real Derbies – and Columbus Crew matches – usually lead to a flurry of goals. But Saturday night was no ordinary matchup, as the sides played to a scoreless draw in their first meeting without a goal since Aug. 29, 2020 at Nippert Stadium.
“As you saw last year, last two teams in the Eastern Conference Final,” goalkeeper Patrick Schulte said, who made his first league start since July 13. “This year, two teams at the top of the table. They're a good team. It's going to be a battle. It's going to be a war. It's a rivalry, as well. You're always going to be pushing each other to push the limits. I think that was another example of that [Saturday].”
While the home side started fast, the Black & Gold fended off any serious attacking threats early and always looked more likely to take the lead. There were chances, but Cincinnati keeper Roman Celetano had a nice match to keep the game level, as Columbus had its first scoreless draw since April 27 vs. CF Montréal.
But Saturday’s match should be put in perspective. Yes, a win would’ve seen the Crew leapfrog FCC in the Eastern Conference standings, but reigning champs can still move into second place as early as Wednesday night against Toronto FC in the Trillium Cup.
More importantly, a spot in the postseason was secured with seven matches remaining in the regular season.
“Obviously, it was the first objective because you know me with the number of wins [13-14], and we achieved it,” Nancy said. “This is good. This is good because we cannot take anything for granted. I'm happy that we clinched the playoffs already.
“Now we're going to be able to go all in and to push a little bit more. Obviously, I would say it's normal to make the playoffs because we have to make the playoff in this Club. Now we cannot take everything for granted because it's been a long season, this is not done and the players are real competitors. They deserve it.”
With the postseason secured, the remainder of the season will be about jockeying for a final standing and players turning up for, hopefully, another long and successful cup run.
“Like coach said, being there is the first step,” Alex Matan said. “Now the sky is the limit. We’re going to go like we went last season with the same amount of belief. Hopefully, we’re going to go win it again.”
