Gazdag’s Stoppage-Time Penalty Gives Crew a 2-1 Derby Win Over FC Cincinnati

Photos by: Jonathan Mensah

The Hell Is Real derby lived up to its name. The Columbus Crew fell behind early, struck twice in the final minutes of the first half, and held on for a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati on Saturday night in front of 20,307 fans, a game that ended with a red card and a scuffle after the final whistle.

Columbus Crew 2, FC Cincinnati 1
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field | Saturday, July 25

Cincinnati needed just nine minutes to go ahead. Pavel Bucha sent in a cross from the right, Evander touched it on, and Kévin Denkey finished for his 11th MLS goal of the season. The goal also stretched Evander's run of games with a goal or assist to seven.

Columbus controlled much of the first half and finally found the equalizer from a set piece. In the 42nd minute, Dylan Chambost whipped in a corner and Jamal Thiaré rose to head home his first goal for the Crew. Two minutes later, Patrick Schulte kept the score level with a stop on Evander.

The Crew then took the lead in first-half stoppage time. Max Arfsten was brought down by Matt Miazga in the box, and Dániel Gazdag converted the penalty, his second spot kick in a week, for a 2-1 halftime lead. Neither side scored after the break, and Cincinnati could not find a way back.

Player of the match: Patrick Schulte made four saves, none bigger than the stop on Evander just before halftime.

Turning point: The two goals in the space of a few minutes before the break flipped a 1-0 deficit into a lead Columbus never gave back.

What it means: It was the 22nd meeting between the Ohio rivals, and the win moved the Crew to 5-8-4 while Cincinnati fell to 6-6-5 and saw a five-match unbeaten run on the road end. Cincinnati will also be without Miazga and Gerardo Valenzuela, who was sent off late in the game, for its next match.

Up next: The Crew head to Inter Miami, and Cincinnati hosts the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, Aug. 1.