In a thrilling Eastern Conference quarter-final of the MLS, FC Cincinnati turned the tables on Columbus Crew with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory. The match saw Columbus take the lead early in the second half with a goal from Jacen Russell Rowe in the 18th minute. However, Cincinnati’s Brenner was the star of the show, scoring two goals that changed the course of the game—one in the 21st minute and the second in the 41st minute of the same half.
Brenner’s second goal, a powerful strike from just outside the area, left goalkeeper Patrick Schulte with no chance as it found the bottom right corner of the net, sealing the win for FC Cincinnati.
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Brenner, who not only scored twice but also attempted three shots on goal against Columbus Crew.
Defensively, FC Cincinnati was solid, anchored by goalkeeper Roman Celentano, who made five crucial saves to keep Columbus at bay.
Head coach Pat Noonan set up a 3-5-2 formation for Cincinnati, featuring Roman Celentano in goal; Nick Hagglund, Miles Robinson, and Teenage Hadebe in defense; Ender Echenique, Pavel Bucha, Evander, Samuel Gidi, and Lukas Ahlefeld Engel in midfield; and Brenner alongside Kévin Denkey up front.
On the other hand, Columbus Crew, led by coach Wilfried Nancy, deployed a 4-4-2 formation with Patrick Schulte as the goalkeeper; Andrés Herrera, Steven Moreira, Malte Amundsen, and Max Arfsten in defense; Sean Zawadzki, Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, and Taha Habroune in midfield; and Diego Rossi and Hugo Picard as forwards.
The match was officiated by referee Christopher Penso.
Substitutions for FC Cincinnati
62’ 2H – Lukas Ahlefeld Engel off for Luca Orellano
75’ 2H – Kévin Denkey off for Ayoub Jabbari
87’ 2H – Ender Echenique off for Alvas Powell
88’ 2H – Brenner off for Obinna Nwobodo
Yellow Cards for FC Cincinnati:
10’ 1H – Nick Hagglund and 42’ 2H – Brenner (for taking off his shirt)
Substitutions for Columbus Crew
38’ 1H – Taha Habroune off for Jacen Russell Rowe
83’ 2H – Andrés Herrera off for Lassi Lappalainen
90’ 2H – Substitutions made for Dylan Chambost for Daniel Gazdag, Malte Amundsen for Yevhen Cheberko, and Max Arfsten for Aliyu Ibrahim
Yellow Cards for Columbus Crew:
4’ 1H – Malte Amundsen (for holding an opponent) and 34’ 1H – Taha Habroune (for holding an opponent)