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Hell Is Real derby
Hell Is Real derby
Hell Is Real derby
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Hell Is Real
Columbus Crew
FC Cincinnati
LocationOhio
First meetingJune 14, 2017
U.S. Open Cup
CIN 1–0 CLB
Latest meetingNovember 8, 2025
MLS Cup playoffs
CIN 2–1 CLB
Next meetingJuly 25, 2026
MLS regular season
CLB v CIN
StadiumsScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus
TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
Statistics
Meetings total21
Most winsColumbus Crew (9)
Top scorerGyasi Zardes
(7 goals)
All-time seriesColumbus: 9
Drawn: 6
Cincinnati: 6
Largest victoryCIN 0–4 CLB
MLS is Back Tournament
(July 11, 2020)
CLB 4–0 CIN
MLS Cup playoffs
(November 2, 2025)
Hell Is Real derby is located in Ohio
Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati
Hell Is Real derby
Location of the two teams in Ohio (red), as well as the namesake billboard (blue)

Hell Is Real is a rivalry between the two Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs based in Ohio: the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati. Under current MLS regular season scheduling, the series occurs twice per season as both teams are members of the Eastern Conference. The teams first met in 2017 in the U.S. Open Cup before Cincinnati joined MLS in 2019.

Hell Is Real takes its name from a Christian highway billboard located on Interstate 71 between Columbus and Cincinnati. The two team's MLS Next Pro affiliates, the Columbus Crew 2 and FC Cincinnati 2, parody Hell Is Real for their matches and use the name Heck is Plausible.[1]

Background

[edit]

FC Cincinnati was founded in 2015 as a United Soccer League club. After three seasons in the second-division league, Cincinnati moved to MLS in 2019 and joined the Columbus Crew, who had been a league member since their inaugural season in 1996.[2] The Ohio clubs met for the first time with lower-league Cincinnati winning 1–0 in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup fourth round.[3]

In October 2017, Columbus owner Anthony Precourt threatened to move the team to Austin, Texas, putting the prospect of an MLS rivalry between the two Ohio teams in jeopardy.[4][5][6] Precourt's proposed relocation sparked outrage in the American soccer community, creating the #SaveTheCrew movement. After a year of support by fans, rival teams,[7] local businesses, and politicians, the Crew committed to staying in Columbus in November 2018, when the Haslam family (owners of the NFL's Cleveland Browns, which had been the subject of a controversial relocation in the 1990s) purchased the club.[8]

History

[edit]
Hell is Real signage at Cincinnati stadium

The two teams met for the first time in the fourth round of the 2017 U.S. Open Cup, while FC Cincinnati was still a member of the United Soccer League. Cincinnati won the match 1–0 on a goal from Djiby, knocking Columbus out of the tournament and advancing to the quarterfinals.[9][10]

On August 10, 2019, the two sides played against each other in MLS league play for the first time, ending in a 2–2 draw at Mapfre Stadium.[11] Columbus earned their first win of the series in that season's reverse fixture with a 3–1 victory.[12] The highest-scoring match came in 2021, when the Crew pulled off a late comeback at their new Lower.com Field; holding a 2–1 lead in the 75th minute, FC Cincinnati surrendered two late goals to lose 3–2.[13]

The first MLS Cup Playoffs match between the two teams took place in the Eastern Conference Final on December 2, 2023. The match was hosted by FC Cincinnati and resulted in a 3–2 victory for the Columbus Crew after FC Cincinnati led 2–0 in the first half but conceded two goals in the second half. The Crew went on to score the winning goal in the 25th minute of extra time, enabling them to win the MLS Cup the following week.[14]

Name

[edit]
The rivalry's name was inspired by a sign erected along the section of Interstate 71 that connects Columbus and Cincinnati.

The rivalry's name was created by fans of both teams in 2017, prior to the first competitive meeting in the U.S. Open Cup. It is derived from a religious sign that reads "HELL IS REAL" located on Interstate 71, the highway that connects Columbus and Cincinnati–a distance of 110 miles (180 km).[15] The sign was installed in 2004 on a local farm in Chenoweth by a Kentucky developer who had installed similar religious signs in other states.[16]

The rivalry has an alternate name, Heck is Plausible, between both club's MLS Next Pro teams, Columbus Crew 2 and FC Cincinnati 2.[17]

Statistics

[edit]

Match

[edit]
As of November 8, 2025
Competitions Matches CLB wins CLB goals Draws CIN wins CIN goals
MLS regular season 16 7 33 6 3 19
U.S. Open Cup 1 0 0 0 1 1
MLS Cup playoffs 4 2 8 0 2 5
Total 21 9 41 6 6 25

Honors

[edit]
As of August 27, 2024
Honor Columbus Crew FC Cincinnati Total
MLS Cup 3 0 3
Supporters' Shield 3 1 4
U.S. Open Cup 1 0 1
Campeones Cup 1 0 1
Leagues Cup 1 0 1
Overall 9 1 10

Match results

[edit]

  Columbus Crew wins   FC Cincinnati wins   Draws

Season Date Competition Stadium Home team Result Away team Attendance Series (W–L–T) Ref
2017 June 14 U.S. Open Cup Nippert Stadium FC Cincinnati 1–0 Columbus Crew SC 30,160 CIN 1–0–0 [1]
2019 August 10 MLS Mapfre Stadium Columbus Crew SC 2–2 FC Cincinnati 20,865 CIN 1–0–1 [2]
August 25 Nippert Stadium FC Cincinnati 1–3 Columbus Crew SC 30,611 Tied 1–1–1 [3]
2020 July 11 MLS is Back‡ ESPN Sports Complex FC Cincinnati 0–4 Columbus Crew SC 0† CLB 2–1–1 [4]
August 29 MLS Nippert Stadium FC Cincinnati 0–0 Columbus Crew SC 0† CLB 2–1–2 [5]
September 6 Mapfre Stadium Columbus Crew SC 3–0 FC Cincinnati 1,500† CLB 3–1–2 [6]
October 14 Nippert Stadium FC Cincinnati 2–1 Columbus Crew SC 0† CLB 3–2–2 [7]
2021 July 9 MLS TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati 2–2 Columbus Crew 25,701 CLB 3–2–3 [8]
August 27 Lower.com Field Columbus Crew 3–2 FC Cincinnati 19,949 CLB 4–2–3 [9]
2022 July 17 MLS Lower.com Field Columbus Crew 2–0 FC Cincinnati 20,741 CLB 5–2–3 [10]
August 27 TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati 2–2 Columbus Crew 25,037 CLB 5–2–4 [11]
2023 May 20 MLS TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati 3–2 Columbus Crew 25,513 CLB 5–3–4 [12]
August 20 Lower.com Field Columbus Crew 3–0 FC Cincinnati 20,730 CLB 6–3–4 [13]
December 2 MLS Cup Playoffs TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati 2–3 (a.e.t.) Columbus Crew 25,513 CLB 7–3–4 [14]
2024 May 11 MLS Lower.com Field Columbus Crew 1–2 FC Cincinnati 20,900 CLB 7–4–4 [15]
September 14 TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati 0–0 Columbus Crew 25,513 CLB 7–4–5 [16]
2025 May 17 MLS Lower.com Field Columbus Crew 1–1 FC Cincinnati 20,363 CLB 7–4–6 [17]
July 12 TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati 2–4 Columbus Crew 25,513 CLB 8–4–6 [18]
October 27 MLS Cup Playoffs TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati 1–0 Columbus Crew 23,371 CLB 8–5–6 [19]
November 2 Lower.com Field Columbus Crew 4–0 FC Cincinnati 19,506 CLB 9–5–6 [20]
November 8 TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati 2–1 Columbus Crew 25,513 CLB 9–6–6 [21]
2026 July 25 MLS ScottsMiracle-Gro Field Columbus Crew – FC Cincinnati CLB W–L–T
October 18 TQL Stadium FC Cincinnati – Columbus Crew CLB W–L–T

† Matches played behind closed doors or reduced capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

‡ Although the match was part of the MLS is Back Tournament, group stage matches count toward regular season MLS statistics.

Eastern Conference standings finishes

[edit]

  Columbus Crew   FC Cincinnati

P. 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
1 1
2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4
5 5
6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
11
12 12
13
14 14 14
15

• Total: Columbus with 4 higher finishes, FC Cincinnati with 3.

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Alex Crognale of Columbus and Baye Djiby Fall of Cincinnati battle for a header in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup.
As of November 8, 2025
Pos. Name Team Goals
1 United States Gyasi Zardes Columbus Crew 7
2 Argentina Luciano Acosta FC Cincinnati 5
Armenia Lucas Zelarayán Columbus Crew
4 United States Maximilian Arfsten Columbus Crew 3
Spain Miguel Berry
Uruguay Diego Rossi
Canada Jacen Russell-Rowe
Portugal Pedro Santos
9 Colombia Cucho Hernández Columbus Crew 2
Brazil Brenner FC Cincinnati
Togo Kévin Denkey
United States Brandon Vazquez

Own goals

[edit]

Players who played for both clubs

[edit]
Player Columbus career span Cincinnati career span
Panama Cristian Martínez[a] 2016–2018 2017
The Gambia Kekuta Manneh 2017 2019–2020
Haiti Derrick Etienne 2020–2022 2019
Nigeria Fanendo Adi[a] 2020 2018–2019
United States Fatai Alashe[a] 2020 2018–2020
United States Saad Abdul-Salaam 2021 2020
Ecuador Gustavo Vallecilla 2023 2021–2022
Sierra Leone Kei Kamara 2006–2007
2015–2016 		2025–present
  1. ^ a b c Played for FC Cincinnati in the United Soccer League, before they joined MLS.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hell Is Real derby

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Hell Is Real derby is a soccer rivalry in (MLS) between the of , and of , , the two professional clubs representing the state's largest cities, separated by approximately 100 miles along Interstate 71. The name originates from a stark religious erected in 2004 on a farm along northbound I-71 near Mount Sterling, , reading " is Real; Repent and Trust ," placed by developer Jimmy Harston as part of an evangelistic campaign. The rivalry gained prominence after joined MLS in 2019, transforming prior lower-division encounters into high-stakes MLS clashes marked by intense supporter group rivalries, on-field competitiveness, and cultural banter reflecting Ohio's urban divides. As of the 2025 MLS season, leads the MLS head-to-head record with 8 wins, 3 losses, and 6 draws against across regular season and playoff matches, including notable playoff meetings that have heightened the derby's stakes. The fixture has produced memorable moments, such as narrow victories and late drama, contributing to its reputation as one of MLS's most heated derbies despite the clubs' relatively brief top-flight together. Fan passion, amplified by the billboard's provocative symbolism adopted by supporters, underscores the derby's defining characteristic of raw, intra-state antagonism absent contrived .

Overview

Geographical and Cultural Context

The Hell Is Real derby features clubs and , both situated in , a Midwestern U.S. state known for its manufacturing heritage and urban centers. Columbus, the state capital in central , serves as home to the Crew, while , located in the southwest near the and border, hosts . The cities are separated by approximately 102 miles via road, with providing the direct north-south corridor linking them. This proximity fosters an intrastate rivalry unique in MLS, where the two teams compete for regional supremacy in professional soccer, drawing from populations exceeding 900,000 in Columbus and 300,000 in proper. The derby's cultural resonance stems from the organic adoption of a roadside Christian along I-71 declaring " is Real," originally erected to urge spiritual reflection amid Ohio's heartland . Fans have repurposed the sign's stark warning into a symbol of the matches' infernal intensity, amplifying supporter passion and traditions like and choreographed displays. The rivalry embodies broader Ohioan themes of community identity and athletic loyalty, with each fanbase—Columbus's Crew SC supporters and Cincinnati's raucous Bailey—channeling local pride into fervent backing that elevates the beyond mere competition. This cultural framing highlights MLS's growth in secondary markets, where geographic and symbolic elements converge to sustain engagement in a league historically centered on coastal hubs.

Origin of the Name

The name "Hell Is Real Derby" originates from a large erected in 2004 along in Mt. Sterling, , approximately midway between Columbus and , proclaiming " is Real" as a religious to motorists. The sign, hosted on the property of Bob and Nancy Hall's farm, was funded by Jimmy Harston, a real estate developer who finances multiple provocative Christian billboards across and neighboring states to emphasize biblical warnings about and judgment. This billboard's visibility to supporters traveling the I-71 corridor for matches between the and inspired the rivalry's moniker, which gained popularity through fan discourse starting around 's inaugural season in 2019, though competitive encounters date to 2017 in the . The term supplanted the broader "Ohio Derby" label, reflecting the route's cultural landmark and infusing the interstate clash with a uniquely regional, attention-grabbing edge. Harston's intent with the sign was to jolt passersby into contemplating eternal realities, drawing from evangelical theology without affiliation to a specific church, which has sustained its notoriety despite occasional vandalism and public debate. The adoption of "Hell Is Real" for the soccer rivalry underscores how longstanding roadside evangelism intersected with modern sports fandom, transforming a theological assertion into a badge of intense regional competition.

Historical Development

Pre-MLS Encounters

The first competitive encounter between Columbus Crew SC and occurred on June 14, 2017, in the fourth round of the at in , . At the time, competed in the ( as an expansion side in its second season, while Columbus Crew SC was an established (MLS) club. The match drew a USL-record attendance of 30,160 spectators, reflecting early enthusiasm for the nascent Ohio-based rivalry. FC Cincinnati secured a 1–0 upset victory, with Senegalese forward Djiby Fall scoring the lone goal in the 64th minute via a header from a delivered by . SC, despite possessing higher-division status and fielding key players like , failed to convert scoring opportunities and were eliminated from the tournament, while advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to . This result marked 's most significant achievement to date, bolstering their MLS expansion bid, which was granted later that year for entry in 2019. No additional pre-MLS meetings took place between the senior teams, as FC Cincinnati's USL schedule did not overlap with Columbus's MLS or reserve-team fixtures in league play. The 2017 Open Cup clash laid the groundwork for the " Is Real" moniker, inspired by billboards between the cities proclaiming eternal damnation, and foreshadowed intensified competition upon Cincinnati's MLS promotion.

MLS Era Matches and Evolution

The MLS era of the Hell Is Real derby began on August 10, 2019, with a 2–2 draw between Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati at MAPFRE Stadium, attended by 20,865 spectators. This marked Cincinnati's entry into Major League Soccer after promotion from the USL Championship, instantly elevating the in-state rivalry to top-tier competition along Interstate 71. Columbus quickly asserted dominance, securing a 3–1 away win at Nippert Stadium just two weeks later on August 25, 2019, before a string of lopsided victories, including a 4–0 rout in the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament. Cincinnati, struggling with early-season woes and defensive frailties, managed only sporadic resistance, highlighted by their first MLS-era win—a 2–1 home victory on October 14, 2020.
DateCompetitionHome TeamScoreAway TeamVenueAttendance
2019-08-10MLS Regular Season2–2 Stadium20,865
2019-08-25MLS Regular Season1–330,611
2020-07-110–4ESPN Wide World of SportsN/A
2020-08-29MLS Regular Season0–0N/A
2020-09-06MLS Regular Season3–0 Stadium1,500
2020-10-14MLS Regular Season2–1N/A
2021-07-09MLS Regular Season2–225,701
2021-08-27MLS Regular Season3–2Lower.com Field19,949
2022-07-17MLS Regular Season2–0Lower.com Field20,741
2022-08-27MLS Regular Season2–225,037
2023-05-20MLS Regular Season3–225,513
2023-08-20MLS Regular Season3–0Lower.com Field20,730
2023-12-02Eastern Conference Final (ET)2–325,513
2024-05-11MLS Regular Season1–2Lower.com Field20,900
2024-09-14MLS Regular Season0–025,513
2025-05-17MLS Regular Season1–1Lower.com Field20,363
2025-07-12MLS Regular Season2–425,513
The rivalry evolved markedly as Cincinnati transitioned from expansion struggles—posting just one win in their first 10 MLS meetings against Columbus—to consistent contention under head coach Pat Noonan, appointed in December 2021. This shift yielded Cincinnati's breakthrough 3–2 home win on May 20, 2023, and a 2–1 road upset in 2024, narrowing Columbus's MLS head-to-head edge to 8 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses across 17 matches. Intensity peaked in the 2023 Eastern Conference Final on December 2, when Columbus overcame a 2–0 halftime deficit to triumph 3–2 in extra time at TQL Stadium, a comeback fueled by goals from Diego Rossi and Christian Ramírez that propelled them to MLS Cup victory. The postseason clash amplified fan fervor, with sellout crowds exceeding 25,000 at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium underscoring the derby's cultural grip, while both clubs' ascent—Columbus as 2023 champions and Cincinnati as 2023 Supporters' Shield winners—transformed it into one of MLS's premier intra-conference battles. Recent 2025 regular-season fixtures, including a 1–1 draw and Columbus's 4–2 comeback win, reflect sustained competitiveness amid high-stakes positioning for playoff berths.

Key Milestones and Recent Playoff Clashes

The inaugural edition of the Hell Is Real derby took place on August 10, 2019, at MAPFRE Stadium, ending in a 2-2 draw that highlighted the immediate competitiveness between the established and expansion-side . Columbus secured the series' first decisive victory later that season on August 25, 2019, contributing to their early dominance in the fixture. achieved their breakthrough MLS win in the derby on May 29, 2022, with a 1-0 result at , signaling their ascent under coach amid improved form. The rivalry's stakes escalated in the postseason with the Eastern Conference Final on December 2, 2023, at , where mounted a stunning comeback from a 2-0 deficit to defeat 3-2 in extra time. Goals from and Alexandru Matan leveled the score in regular time, followed by Christian Ramírez's winner in the 115th minute, propelling Columbus to the final—where they claimed the title—and underscoring the derby's high-drama potential. This single-elimination clash remains a defining moment, as Columbus overcame Cincinnati's regular-season Supporters' Shield-winning form. The playoff intensity renewed in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs first round, pitting second-seeded (20-9-5 regular season) against sixth-seeded (14-8-12) in a best-of-three series hosted at , beginning October 27, 2025. This marks only the second postseason meeting between the clubs, contrasting the 2023 one-off with an extended format that amplifies strategic depth and fan engagement. Prior to the series, Columbus held an 8-3-6 all-time edge in MLS regular-season and playoff derbies combined.

Competitive Statistics

Head-to-Head Results

In competitive matches since FC Cincinnati's entry into in 2019, have recorded 8 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses against across 17 encounters, scoring 36 goals to Cincinnati's 21. This includes regular season fixtures, the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament group stage match, and the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final.
Competition TypeMatchesCincinnati WinsDrawsCrew WinsCincinnati GoalsCrew Goals
Regular Season153662027
100123
Other (MLS is Back)100104
Overall173682136
Crew have dominated at home, winning 5 of 7 matches at their venue (formerly MAPFRE Stadium, now Lower.com Field), with 1 draw and 1 loss, while Cincinnati hold a 1–3–2 record in home fixtures against Crew. The most recent meeting, on July 12, 2025, ended in a 2–4 Crew victory at TQL Stadium. No additional competitive matches have occurred as of October 26, 2025, ahead of their scheduled MLS Cup Playoffs first-round clash on October 27.

League Standings Comparisons

Since joined in 2019, has generally outperformed in Eastern Conference regular-season standings, finishing higher in four of the seven completed seasons through 2025, though achieved top-three finishes in three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024. Columbus's stronger showings early in the (2019–2021) aligned with its established franchise status and culminated in an title in 2020, while 's rise reflected aggressive recruitment and coaching stability under and later , peaking with a win in 2023. By 2025, held a clear edge, securing second place with 65 points compared to Columbus's seventh-place finish at 54 points, underscoring the 's competitiveness amid roster turnover and injuries for Columbus. The following table summarizes final Eastern Conference positions and points totals:
YearColumbus CrewFC Cincinnati
201910th (39 pts)12th (24 pts)
20203rd (42 pts)14th (18 pts)
20219th (47 pts)14th (20 pts)
202210th (40 pts)2nd (59 pts)
20233rd (50 pts)1st (65 pts)
20242nd (64 pts)3rd (59 pts)
20257th (54 pts)2nd (65 pts)
These disparities have influenced playoff seeding and head-to-head scheduling, with higher finishes often granting in regular-season derbies and postseason matchups, though Columbus's playoff success (two MLS Cups in the period) has occasionally outshone regular-season results.

Top Individual Performers

holds the record for the most goals in Hell Is Real derby matches, scoring 7 times for the across 6 appearances between 2019 and 2020, including braces in a 4-0 win on August 25, 2019, and a 3-0 victory on September 6, 2020. His finishing , often capitalizing on crosses and set pieces, underscored Columbus's early dominance in the fixture. Lucas Zelarayán and Luciano Acosta are tied for second with 5 goals each; Zelarayán achieved this for Columbus in 7 matches, complemented by 3 assists, highlighting his playmaking in transitions during the 2020-2022 period. Acosta, FC Cincinnati's all-time leading scorer against Columbus, netted 5 goals and added 4 assists in 8 outings, with pivotal strikes including a penalty in a 3-2 win on May 20, 2023, and contributions in a 2-1 upset on , 2024. Acosta's combined 9 goal involvements make him the most productive performer overall.

Goalscorers

PlayerPrimary TeamGoalsMatches
76
57
58
Brandon VazquezFC Cincinnati210
Data reflects MLS regular season and playoff encounters through October 2025. Zardes's tally demonstrates Columbus's attacking edge in the rivalry's formative years, while Acosta's consistency aligns with Cincinnati's improved competitiveness post-2022.

Own Goals and Defensive Errors

Own goals have been rare in the derby, with no player recording more than one; defensive lapses, such as failed clearances leading to opposition counters, have occasionally shifted momentum, as in Columbus's 4-2 comeback on July 12, 2025, where conceded three goals in quick succession amid pressing errors. Such incidents underscore the fixture's intensity but lack standout individuals beyond collective frailties.

Players Who Competed for Both Teams

Several players have featured for both clubs, including midfielder Russell Cicerone, who appeared for Columbus in 2019 before joining Cincinnati in 2021, and forward Jeremy Ebobisse, though transfers remain infrequent due to rivalry tensions. These crossovers highlight player mobility in MLS but have not produced derby-specific dominance.

Goalscorers

Gyasi Zardes is the all-time leading goalscorer in Hell Is Real derby matches with seven goals, all scored for the Columbus Crew between 2019 and 2022. Luciano Acosta of FC Cincinnati and Lucas Zelarayán, while with the Crew, share second place with five goals each; Acosta's tally spans 2019 to 2024, including key strikes in playoff encounters. Several players have recorded three goals apiece: Pedro Santos and for the Crew, and , also for the Crew, whose contributions include a goal in the July 2025 comeback win. Players with two goals include and Max Arfsten for Columbus, and Brandon Vazquez for Cincinnati. The table below summarizes players with multiple goals in MLS-era rivalry matches (2017–2025 regular season and playoffs):
PlayerClubGoals
7
5
5
Pedro Santos3
3
3
2
Max Arfsten2
Brandon Vazquez2

Own Goals and Defensive Errors

Miles Robinson of FC Cincinnati scored the most notable own goal in Hell Is Real derby history during the July 12, 2025, MLS regular-season match at TQL Stadium, deflecting a clearance into his own net in the 59th minute to give Columbus Crew a 3-2 lead en route to a 4-2 comeback win from a two-goal deficit. This error shifted momentum decisively, as Columbus added a fourth goal in stoppage time despite FC Cincinnati's early dominance with goals from Yuya Kubo and Luciano Acosta. No other own goals have been recorded in the rivalry's documented matches since FC Cincinnati's MLS entry in 2019. Defensive lapses have occasionally influenced outcomes, such as FC Cincinnati's August 28, 2021, 2-1 home loss where individual errors in possession and marking allowed Columbus to equalize and win via a late goal, exposing vulnerabilities in Cincinnati's backline under then-coach . However, such errors remain sporadic compared to the derby's emphasis on tactical discipline, with no equivalent high-profile blunders matching the 2025 own goal's impact in verified reports.

Players Who Competed for Both Teams

Fatai Alashe, a central , played for from 2018 to 2020, appearing in 26 MLS matches and scoring one goal before being traded to the on August 17, 2020, in exchange for a second-round pick. With the Crew, Alashe made five appearances in 2020, including his debut in a 0-0 Hell Is Real derby draw against on August 29, 2020, contributing to the club's MLS Cup-winning campaign that season. Fanendo Adi, a forward, featured for from 2018 to 2019, scoring five goals in 34 MLS appearances, including goals in early Is Real encounters. He joined the as a on February 21, 2020, and recorded three goals and two assists in 13 regular-season matches during the 2020 shortened season, aiding their playoff run. Derrick Etienne Jr., a winger, spent 2019-2020 with , making 35 MLS appearances with four goals and three assists. Acquired by the via trade from (with prior Cincy ties) in early 2020, he contributed two goals and four assists in 15 appearances that year, including participation in Crew's triumph. These transitions, occurring amid Cincinnati's expansion struggles and Crew's established success, highlight player mobility in the rivalry's formative MLS phase from 2019 onward, with no prominent direct moves in the opposite direction identified.

Achievements in Rivalry Context

Club Trophies and Successes

The , one of Major League Soccer's inaugural franchises since 1996, have amassed a collection of major trophies that underscore their status as a perennial contender. These include three titles in 2008, 2020, and 2023; three Supporters' Shields in 2004, 2008, and 2009; the 2002 ; the 2021 ; and the 2024 . Their 2023 victory, a 2-1 defeat of , capped a season of defensive solidity and offensive efficiency led by figures like . FC Cincinnati, expanding to MLS in 2019 after dominance in the United Soccer League, have quickly established themselves through regular-season excellence, winning the in both their debut year (2019) and in 2023 with a league-best 69 points. However, they have yet to claim an or in the top flight, with playoff exits—including losses to the Crew—highlighting a gap between regular-season form and postseason hardware.
ClubMLS CupSupporters' ShieldOther Major Trophies
Columbus Crew3 (2008, 2020, 2023)3 (2004, 2008, 2009)U.S. Open Cup (2002); Campeones Cup (2021); Leagues Cup (2024)
FC Cincinnati02 (2019, 2023)None in MLS era

Rivalry-Specific Accomplishments

The Columbus Crew hold the edge in the Hell Is Real derby, with 8 victories compared to FC Cincinnati's 4 across 18 MLS regular-season and playoff encounters as of October 2025, alongside 6 draws. This dominance includes an unbeaten record in 14 of 17 MLS matches prior to mid-2025, encompassing 8 wins, highlighted by a 4-2 comeback victory on July 13, 2025, at TQL Stadium where the Crew overcame a two-goal deficit with four second-half strikes. FC Cincinnati's triumphs feature their inaugural MLS win over the Crew on August 21, 2021 (2-0 at home), marking the first time the expansion side bested Ohio's established MLS club in league play, and a 2-1 road victory on May 11, 2024, their first in Columbus. In postseason play, the rivalry has produced defining moments, notably the 2023 Eastern Conference Final where the Crew defeated Cincinnati 3-2 on aggregate—winning 2-1 away in the first leg before a 1-0 home loss in the second—advancing to and subsequently claiming the MLS Cup, their third league title and first since 2008. This series, characterized by physical intensity resulting in nine yellow cards across legs, underscored Columbus's resilience in high-stakes derby clashes. The teams' first playoff meeting elevated the derby's stakes, with Columbus leveraging defensive solidity and counterattacks to eliminate their in-state rivals en route to championship glory. Pre-MLS origins trace to June 14, 2017, when USL-affiliate upset the 1-0 in the third round via a Kenji Gorre goal, establishing early momentum for the upstart club and igniting the rivalry's competitive foundation. Other rivalry benchmarks include Columbus's largest margin of victory, a 4-0 rout on October 29, 2023, during the playoff series, and 's stunning 2021 home opener win fueled by two first-half goals and a red card. These feats, absent dedicated derby trophies, reflect tactical evolutions: Columbus's proficiency in comebacks and set-piece execution contrasting Cincinnati's reliance on home dominance and transitional play.

Fan Culture and Atmosphere

Supporter Groups and Traditions

The primary supporters' section for the is the Nordecke, located in the north end of Lower.com Field, which houses a collective of independent groups fostering one of Major League Soccer's most vocal fanbases through coordinated chants, drums, and displays. Chants such as "Columbus 'Til I Die" and "We Are Massive"—the latter originating from fan banners and calls in the section dating back to the club's early years—form core elements of Crew supporter culture, emphasizing unwavering loyalty. FC Cincinnati's main supporter area is the Bailey, in the north end of , anchored by The Pride, the club's inaugural independent supporters' group established to represent fans in the West End neighborhood and beyond. The Incline Collective operates as an umbrella for multiple affiliated groups, including local chapters and out-of-town affiliates, coordinating matchday activities like marches and tifos. Additional groups such as Norden focus on northern suburbs, organizing watch parties and social events to build community support. Rivalry traditions draw heavily from the "Hell Is Real" moniker, inspired by a Solid Rock Church on between Columbus and declaring the phrase, which fans adopted post-2019 following 's MLS entry, incorporating it into dual-colored scarves and hype videos. FC Cincinnati enhances derby matchdays with themed concessions like "Gomez Salsa" and fan contests, such as spicy wing-eating competitions between supporter contingents. Home games against the Crew feature an "Orange Out," urging attendees to don orange attire for visual dominance, amplifying the sectional energy with pre-kickoff drumming and coordinated displays. These elements underscore the 's intense, faith-tinged fervor without formal trophies, relying instead on organic fan-driven pageantry.

Incidents, Tensions, and Rivalry Intensity

The Hell Is Real derby has been marked by on-field intensity and dramatic moments rather than widespread off-field , contributing to its reputation as one of Major League Soccer's most competitive . In the first MLS meeting on August 10, 2019, at , led 2-0 within 24 minutes, but equalized late to end in a 2-2 draw amid flaring tempers between players, underscoring the immediate animosity upon Cincinnati's promotion to the top flight. This match set a tone of resilience and confrontation, with post-game analysis noting the physical battles and verbal exchanges that embodied the derby's billed ferocity. Subsequent encounters have amplified tensions through high-stakes comebacks and referee scrutiny. The 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals featured a pivotal second leg on November 26 at TQL Stadium, where Columbus Crew overturned FC Cincinnati's 2-0 halftime lead—scored by Luciano Acosta and Yuya Kubo—to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory and advance, fueled by goals from Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi in extra time; Cincinnati supporters cited controversial non-calls on defensive plays as factors in the collapse, heightening perceptions of officiating bias in rivalry games. Earlier, in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup matchup that birthed the MLS-era rivalry, FC Cincinnati's 1-0 win prompted Columbus coach Gregg Berhalter to argue heatedly with home fans post-whistle, reflecting early personal stakes amid Ohio's soccer expansion debates. Fan atmosphere adds to the edge without descending into European-style , as evidenced by coordinated supporter displays and interstate taunts rather than documented brawls. Columbus police deployed to disperse crowds after a July 31, 2023, home match—not directly tied to but amid broader fan unrest at Lower.com Field—prompting reviews of crowd control tactics, though no rivalry-specific arrests or ejections beyond standard MLS protocols have dominated reports. The rivalry's intensity stems from competitive parity—Columbus holds an 8-4-6 all-time edge as of October 2025, with multiple one-goal margins—and regional pride, fostering verbal sparring and pyrotechnic displays within league guidelines, but empirical data from MLS records shows fewer red cards (typically 0-1 per ) compared to more volatile intrastate clashes elsewhere. This controlled fervor, per analyses from club outlets, derives from post-'s 2019 entry, prioritizing athletic rivalry over chaos.

Broader Impact

Influence on MLS Expansion and Competition

The emergence of the Hell Is Real derby in the (USL) significantly bolstered FC Cincinnati's MLS expansion bid, demonstrating robust regional fan interest in soccer beyond the established market. The inaugural matchup on June 14, 2017, drew a USL-record of 30,023 to , highlighting the rivalry's draw and alleviating concerns about market saturation between the two cities approximately 110 miles apart along Interstate 71. This fan enthusiasm, combined with Cincinnati's overall USL attendance leadership (averaging over 20,000 per match in 2017 and 2018), provided empirical evidence of a viable second professional soccer franchise in the state, contributing to MLS awarding expansion to on May 29, 2018, for entry in the 2019 season. Upon Cincinnati's MLS arrival, the derby intensified league-wide competition within Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference, fostering elevated performance standards and mutual motivation between the clubs. Matches consistently outperform league averages in attendance and media engagement; for instance, the 2023 Eastern Conference Final at TQL Stadium attracted 25,513 spectators, while regular-season clashes have routinely sold out venues like Lower.com Field (capacity 20,363). The rivalry's high stakes have correlated with on-field success, including FC Cincinnati's Supporters' Shield wins in 2019 and 2021, and the Columbus Crew's 2023 MLS Cup triumph following a playoff victory over Cincinnati, thereby raising the overall competitive bar in a conference featuring perennial contenders. This intra-Ohio dynamic has also enhanced MLS's broader product by cultivating authentic regional rivalries that drive viewership and revenue, akin to established derbies in larger markets. Club officials and analysts note the derby's role in exceeding typical media market expectations, with matches generating disproportionate national interest and serving as a "boon for the league" through heightened intensity and fan engagement. The sustained playoff clashes, such as the 2023 conference final and the 2025 Round One series, underscore how the rivalry sustains competitive parity and elevates Ohio's profile in American soccer expansion narratives.

Legacy in Ohio Soccer and Regional Rivalries

The Hell Is Real derby has cemented 's status as a soccer stronghold in the Midwest, as the state remains the only one in the region with two franchises: the , established in 1996, and , which ascended to MLS in 2019 following success in the . This intra-state competition has elevated the sport's visibility, drawing sellout crowds such as the 20,363 attendees at the May 17, 2025, matchup at Lower.com Field, which highlighted sustained fan intensity and contributed to broader attendance growth across both clubs' seasons. The Crew's pioneering role, including the construction of the first U.S. in 1999, laid foundational infrastructure that FC Cincinnati built upon with , recognized as the world's best sports venue in 2022 by the World Football Summit. The rivalry has spurred investments in youth and community soccer, fostering long-term participation. FC Cincinnati's designation as a launch market for MLS GO in 2023 has expanded access for underserved boys and girls outside traditional club systems, while the Crew introduced a Soccer in Schools program on May 1, 2025, providing structured physical education models to schools. These efforts, amplified by the derby's high-profile stakes—evident in the Crew's 7-4-4 lead in the series as of 2024—have supported talent pipelines, including academy products like midfielder Aidan Morris, whose ceremonial return in the 2025 derby underscored local development pathways. Regionally, the Hell Is Real fixture has instilled an "Ohio vs. everybody" mentality among supporters, uniting and Columbus fanbases against external MLS opponents and reinforcing state pride in soccer achievements, such as the Crew's 2023 MLS Cup victory and FC 's 2023 . This dynamic has influenced broader Midwestern rivalries by modeling intense, geographically rooted competition, with derby matches often serving as benchmarks for playoff contention and drawing national attention to 's dual-team ecosystem.

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