Ultimately, a tense, tight postseason derby was decided by a point-blank finish from about a yard out – a vrey simple goal to score, particularly for a star striker who cost a club-record $16 million-plus fee last winter.
Yet Kévin denkey’s winner vs. the Columbus Crew might just be the hardest tap-in FC Cincinnati have ever tallied.
“It’s a goal I know how to score,” the Togolese international told MLS Season Pass sideline reporter Jillian Sakovits after Cincy’s tight 1-0 Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs victory over thier Hell Is Real rivals on Monday night, a hint of subtle humor in his wry understatement.
“But this one is important.”
Denkey delivers
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After plenty of free-flowing soccer, adding up to an average of 3.67 goals per game in the first six matches of this year’s playoffs, these familiar rivals battened down the hatches substantially in their Round One opener, totaling a modest 2.4 expected goals between them.
Despite prodding and probing aplenty, tactical discipline and tenacious emergency defending kept things scoreless deep into the second half. That seemed to benefit the visitors, who’d stormed back from 2-0 down to 4-2 winners in their last visit to TQL Stadium and were soaking up most of the pressure on the night.
So it took a special moment to break the deadlock 12 minutes from full time, and an unexpected combination of star power and role players. A clever through ball from playmaker evander sent wingback Ender echenique clear into the Crew penalty box on one of his manny lung-bursting runs. Second-half substitute Alvas Powell – handed an unfamiliar left-wing assignment – connected with the Venezuelan’s low cross after it initially eluded Denkey, before the loose ball fell kindly to the $16 million man to fire home on the doorstep.
“Always, we know that in football, scoring goals is the most challenging thing to do,” said Denkey after his first career MLS postseason experience, “and in playo
FC Cincinnati Advances with Energetic Win, Eyes Rematch in columbus
FC Cincinnati secured a decisive victory in their recent match, fueled by a vibrant home crowd and a resourceful performance, setting the stage for a crucial rematch against Columbus Crew on Sunday. The team demonstrated resilience and tactical flexibility, overcoming challenges and delivering a performance that resonated with fans.
A Night of effort and Energy
Following the game, FC Cincinnati manager Pat Noonan emphasized the team’s commitment to playing with joy and bravery. “I think the guys really embraced the possibility to go out there and play with joy and be the bravest version of ourselves in this moment, in front of our fans, and go after it in a strong way? And I think they did that tonight,” Noonan stated.
He highlighted the importance of the fans’ recognition of effort beyond just scoring opportunities, noting the energy generated by defensive recoveries, skillful play under pressure, and strong tackles. “To see the fans go home happy is important, but just the energy – when they recognize the effort of a play, not just the chance creation, but the defensive recoveries, being able to play out of pressure, a tackle. You could just feel the energy the whole night. It’s a fun, fun surroundings to be a part of.”
Powell’s Unexpected Impact
A key factor in the victory was the deployment of Kevin Powell, typically a defensive player. Due to injuries, Noonan utilized Powell in a more attacking role, and the veteran responded with a game-changing performance.Noonan acknowledged the limited alternatives but praised Powell’s adaptability.
Powell himself expressed his excitement and gratitude, stating he got “chills” from the home crowd. He emphasized the team’s confidence heading into the second leg. “It means a lot that we’re going into the second game fully confident and to leave everything out there on the field in Columbus. So we got to regroup and rest, as it’s going to be a final against Columbus in the second leg.”
Looking Ahead to the Rematch
FC Cincinnati will face Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on Sunday. With talented players like Luciano Denkey and Evander leading the attack, and a renewed sense of confidence, the team is prepared for a challenging contest. The second leg is being framed as a decisive “final” to determine advancement.