By Carey Van Lue

Yoann Damet Crew assistant coach Post-match press conference Crew 3 FC Cinn 0 8 20 2023.mp3

COLUMBUS – The latest installment of the “Hell is Real” rivalry goes to the Crew. They simply outplayed the league’s best team all night.

FC Cincinnati trailed archrival Columbus, 2-0, within 23 minutes of Sunday’s match at Lower.com Field and went on to lose 3-0 in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,730.

Aidan Morris blasted a shot past former college teammate at Indiana University, FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano in the 15th minute to open the scoring. A handball in the penalty area by Cincinnati’s Alvaro Barreal led to a quick 2-0 hole for the visitors after Cucho Hernandez concerted a penalty kick in the 23rd minute.

Between the Hernandez goal and the final whistle, FC Cincinnati labored to create consistent chances and appeared out of sync.

Sub Jacen Russell-Rowe added a final goal for Columbus,

The match saw the clubs split their season series after Cincinnati defeated Columbus, 3-2, on May 21.

COURTESY COLUMBUS CREW COMMUNICATIONS & MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER