Five USMNT Players to Feature in MLS Playoff Game

Columbus Travels to Cincinnati in Do-or-Die Playoff Match

FC Cincinnati will host the Columbus Crew on Saturday in a winner-take-all Game 3 of their Round One MLS Cup Playoffs series, with five U.S. Men's National Team players set to feature in the high-stakes Hell is Real rivalry showdown at TQL Stadium.

The match carries significant implications beyond the playoff series, as several USMNT players will be competing for spots on Mauricio Pochettino's roster ahead of November's international friendlies. FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson and goalkeeper Roman Celentano will face off against Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten, Patrick Schulte and Sean Zawadzki in what promises to be an intense atmosphere.

The series has been dramatic from the start. Cincinnati won Game 1 at home 1-0, but Columbus responded emphatically with a 4-0 rout at Lower.com Field last Sunday, with Arfsten scoring once and providing an assist. However, that lopsided scoreline largely resulted from FC Cincinnati's Yuya Kubo receiving a straight red card in the 38th minute, forcing the visitors to play down a man for over an hour.

The matchup carries historical weight for Cincinnati supporters, who still remember the heartbreaking 2023 Eastern Conference Final when Columbus rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to win 3-2 in extra time at TQL Stadium. Head coach Pat Noonan acknowledged that difficult memory but emphasized his team's growth since then.

Cincinnati earned the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a league-leading defense and 18 one-goal victories this season, giving them home-field advantage for this decisive match. For the USMNT players involved, strong performances could bolster their World Cup aspirations ahead of 2026.