CINCINNATI (AP) — Brenner Souza, known simply as “Brenner,” scored goals in the 67th and 86th minutes to help FC Cincinnati beat the Columbus Crew 2-1 on Saturday night for a best-of-three series in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Cincinnati will face either No. 3 seed Miami or No. 6 seed Nashville in a one-game Eastern Conference semifinal.
Brenner’s second goal gave Cincinnati its first lead of the game. Counter-attacking Samuel Gidi played a short pass from near the penalty spot to the top of the 18-yard box, and Brenner stepped to his right and slid a low shot inside the left post.
Andres Herrera ran in to a long ball from goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, took a first-touch cross and bounced it off the onrushing Jacen Russell-Lowe, who finished on a half-volley from just outside the six-yard box to give the seventh-seeded Crew a 1-0 lead in the 63rd minute.
Second-seeded Cincinnati responded four minutes later with a first-touch goal from Teenage Hadebe off a corner kick and a soft header from Brenner.
Roman Celantano made four saves.
This match ended Darlington Nagbe’s career. The 35-year-old midfielder, who won four MLS Cup titles over 15 seasons (two with the Crew (2020, 2023)), announced in October that this season, his 15th in Major League Soccer, would be his last.
Cincinnati in the series opener 1-0 Win before the Crew ties the series 4-0 In the second game, each team won on their home ground.
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