'Disappointing': Columbus Crew rallies for comeback Hell is Real win over FC Cincinnati
It was 19 months ago, in the same venue, when FC Cincinnati coughed up a 2-0 lead in an eventual heartbreaking, season-ending loss to the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference finals.
The 18th edition of the Hell is Real derby played out in the same fashion as a pair of FC Cincinnati goals in the opening five minutes of the match were not enough as Columbus followed with four unanswered goals to complete the comeback.
"Disappointing," FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan somberly said in his post-game press conference. "We all are. It's a tough night. We gotta own it and move on from it."
Sure, a trip to the MLS Cup final was not on the line, but it was still one of the most marquee Hell is Real matchups in rivalry history between two Supporters Shield contenders which have been the best clubs in the MLS from a points perspective over the last three seasons.
It was a monster missed opportunity for FC Cincinnati to take four of six points from its in-state rival for the second consecutive year and it's a defeat that knocks the Orange & Blue out of sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference.
Early goals not enough for FC Cincinnati in Hell is Real loss
It felt worth the 56-minute weather delay for the majority of the sellout crowd when FC Cincinnati gave them early fireworks.
In the opening minute, FC Cincinnati midfielder Pavel Bucha delivered an emphatic icebreaker by squaring up a cross from centre back Lukas Engel that made the home venue erupt.
Bucha's 39th-second tally was the fourth-fastest goal in club history, according to FC Cincinnati communications.
Just a few moments later, it was bedlam in the west end as All-Star midfielder and MLS MVP candidate Evander notched his sixth goal in the last four games to give FC Cincinnati a 2-0 lead less than five minutes into the match.
Those two goals wouldn't hold up as FC Cincinnati's offense stalled and Columbus notched a shutout over the final 90 minutes. There were several close calls as the hosts had a 14-11 shot advantage in a match where possession was nearly split 50/50.
However, FC Cincinnati couldn't add to its lead in the first half with missed opportunities in transition.
"The passes, I thought we rushed some plays ... We couldn't take care of the ball in long stretches," Noonan said. "We could've scored two or three more goals after the 2-0 lead. They found their rhythm in the first half."
Columbus Crew score 4 unanswered goals in comeback Hell is Real win
The visitors found their rhythm in the first half as quickly as FC Cincinnati had jumped to an early two-goal advantage.
In the 42nd minute, Ibrahim Aliyu's crosser was met by the right foot of Columbus leading scorer Diego Rossi, who cut FC Cincinnati's lead in half with a top-shelf shot.
Less than five minutes later, Columbus midfielder Max Arfsten looped a one-hopper past diving FC Cincinnati goalie Roman Celentano to tie it 2-2 going into the break.
A stunned FC Cincinnati side could never recover the momentum.
"There was excitement. The crowd was into it. It's easy to lose focus. We maybe got away from how we prepared," Noonan said.
In the second half, FC Cincinnati's Miles Robinson, making his first appearance with the club since May after Gold Cup duties, tried to clear an entry pass from Columbus but it resulted in an untimely own goal that gave the Crew the lead for good.
While FC Cincinnati's offense was still stuck in mud, Columbus eventually delivered the dagger in extra time when Taha Habroune finished a breakaway with his first goal of the season.
What's next for FC Cincinnati?
Winners of five consecutive matches, FC Cincinnati now ends a three-game homestand when Inter Miami CF, led by Lionel Messi, visits TQL Stadium on July 16.
Messi scored multiple goals for the fifth consecutive game in Miami's 2-1 win over Nashville on Saturday.
"Put the disappointment behind us," Noonan said of his message to the club with the quick turnaround to Miami. "Like all games, we'll see how we let this get away from us."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Replay: Columbus rallies to stun FC Cincinnati in Hell is Real derby
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