On the Day of the Dead, Uruguayan Diego Rossi reignited the passion in Columbus, as with his talent and leadership, the Crew defeated FC Cincinnati (4-0) in Game 2 of the first round of the MLS Cup 2025 Playoffs, evening a series that seemed lost.
Lower.com Field vibrated with an impeccable collective performance by the team coached by Wilfried Nancy, who knew how to impose rhythm, pressure and forcefulness against an opponent that had dominated in the first game. Rossi was not only an assist provider, but also the driving force that set the tone of the match with his intensity and vision in attack.
Hell was real for Cincinnati
After winning the series opener 1-0, FC Cincinnati came into Columbus confident, but ran into a blistering version of the Crew.
The locals generated 19 shots against only one from the rival, dominating every sector of the field.
The first blow came in the 38th minute when Max Arfsten took advantage of a through ball from Rossi and beat goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Soon after, all hell broke loose for the visitors:
Yuya Kubo was sent off for a hard tackle on Andres Herrera, and in the next play, Dylan Chambost scored the 2-0 with a masterful free kick.
Down the stretch, Herrera and Jacen Russell-Rowe completed the scoring, capping off a great night for Columbus Crew, which now prepares for the decisive Game 3 in Cincinnati.
Rossi and Latin pride in MLS
At 27 years of age, Diego Rossi has established himself as one of the most consistent performers in North American soccer.
In the 2025 season, the Uruguayan has 16 goals and 4 assists, consolidating his place among the most influential players in the Eastern Conference.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, Rossi represents the growing impact of Latino talent in MLS.
The home team produced 19 shots
QuéOnnda.com
His attacking style of play, his capacity for sacrifice and his leadership are an example for young Hispanics who dream of making it in professional soccer.
Moreover, coach Wilfried Nancy has been able to enhance this multicultural identity by integrating players of various nationalities into a system based on possession, high pressing and dynamic soccer.
All to be decided in Game 3
Buzzy
The final match of the Hell Is Real series will be played on November 8 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
Both teams are looking to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals in an increasingly competitive MLS with a growing Latino presence in its ranks.
The Columbus Crew arrive in high spirits, inspired by their goal and the connection between their attacking stars.
Rossi, a key member of the team, said after the match that the group “never stopped believing” and that the goal is clear: “to fight for another title for Columbus.
For U.S. Hispanic fans, this series is not only a local classic:
It is a showcase of Latino soccer that sets hearts aflame and proves that MLS is living a historic moment in 2025.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
