The game in 200 words (or less): The “Hell is Real” derby is young, but the Columbus Crew are the first to win it since FC Cincinnati joined MLS at the start of the season. In other words, the bragging rights belong to the Crew, who routed the home side 3-1 in a game that Gyasi Zardes proved to be the difference maker. Coming in one goal shy of double digits, Zardes bagged a double in true Zardes fashion - holding up the ball, before darting into the box for a routine tap-in. Cincinnati, who have yet to win under Ron Jans, have lost six of their last seven and are dead last in the league’s overall standings. The season couldn’t end sooner for the expansion side. With six games left, three points might be too little, too late for Caleb Porter’s side. On a moral level, though, nothing comes close to a win against your biggest rival.
Three moments that mattered
22′ — Zardes’ first of two — The hold-up play, the run, the finish. Bravo, Zardes.
METHODICAL. What a team goal from Columbus, finished by @gyasinho!#HellisReal // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/f6aN6NEJsw
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 25, 2019
45′ — Diaz seals three points for Columbus — As smooth as counter-attacking soccer gets.
HT: Another for #Crew96! Luis Díaz is having a field day on the right side.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 25, 2019
3-0 to the visitors at the break. 😳#HellisReal // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/GL0jvC6Mpz
89′ — Manneh scores one in front of the home crowd, scuffle breaks out — It isn’t rivalry week for nothing...
One back for #FCCincy! And then it got a little heated...#HellisReal // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/b52RgThJYc
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 26, 2019
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Man of the match: Gyazi Zardes
Goalscorers: Zardes(22′), Zardes (33′), Diaz (45′), Manneh (89')
