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The end is nigh, the end to the waiting for the first Hell is Real matchup in MLS. FC Cincinnati traveled the 122 miles up Interstate-71 to MAPFRE Stadium to face off against Columbus Crew SC.
A sold out crowd will be on hand to watch the beginning of a new rivalry. Upstarts Cincinnati managed a 1-0 U.S. Open Cup win in 2017 in the only game between the two in official competition. Columbus looks to even the score on Saturday night with a victory of their own over the Eastern Conference cellar dwellers as the Black & Gold try and claw back into playoff position.
What to read:
Patrick Murphy checks in with new signing Youness Mokhtar, who would love to debut for Hell is Real Derby. The staff is very confident for the first league tie against Cincinnati. Anything less than three points will be a disappointment. Murphy also talked to The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Pat Brennen about the debut MLS season of FC Cincy. Nick Hudak breaks down FC Cincinnati’s struggles and how they still can create danger.
Lineups:
Columbus Crew SC:
Tonight's #Crew96 Starting XI vs. FCC#HellisReal | #CLBvCIN pic.twitter.com/fqQlRsvD04
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) August 10, 2019
FC Cincinnati:
Injuries, suspensions and call-ups:
Columbus Crew SC: Left back Milton Valenzuela and playmaker Federico Higuain are both out for the year with ACL tears. Left back Waylon Francis hasn’t recovered from his leg injury. Ricardo Clark is also sidelined. Joining them is Hector Jimenez, who strained a knee ligament. Center back Josh Williams is questionable with a strained hamstring. Aboubacar Keita’s thigh injury has him unlikely to play.
FC Cincinnati: Midfielders Jimmy McLaughlin and Fatai Alashe are out with a torn ACL and hamstring injury respectively. Forward Fanendo Adi’s calf injury likely keeps him sidelined. Goalkeeper Spencer Richey, defender Greg Garza, and midfielders Frankie Amaya and Allan Cruz.
How to Watch:
Date/Time: August, 10 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: MAPFRE Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Watch: FOX Sports Ohio
Listen: 97.1 The Fan/971TheFan.com (English) & ColumbusCrewSC.com (Spanish).
Stream: Fox Sports GO/ESPN+