Cincinnati II 0–1 Columbus Crew B
MLS Next Pro | June 15, 2026

Columbus Crew B snatched a narrow 1‑0 victory over in‑state rivals Cincinnati II in an Ohio derby that was as tense as it was tight on Monday evening. The visitors' solitary goal proved enough to claim all three points, leaving the home side to rue missed chances in a contest dominated by defensive organisation rather than free‑flowing attack.

Match Overview

Played at a compact, well‑drilled affair, the match featured two developmental sides eager to assert local bragging rights. Cincinnati II enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the first half, but lacked the cutting edge to unlock a disciplined Columbus Crew B backline. The Crew’s B team, by contrast, grew into the game after the interval and eventually broke the deadlock midway through the second period.

The only goal came when a swift counter‑attack caught the Cincinnati defence out of shape. A precise through ball split the centre‑backs, and the Columbus forward finished calmly past the onrushing goalkeeper. Cincinnati pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but the visitors held firm to secure a vital road win.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Cincinnati II midfielder curled a free‑kick just over the crossbar, the best chance of the opening half.
• 58th minute – Columbus Crew B’s left‑back delivered a dangerous cross that was cleared at the near post.
• 67th minute – Goal! Columbus Crew B’s No. 9 latched onto a quick pass from midfield, shrugged off a defender, and slotted home from 12 yards. 0‑1.
• 82nd minute – Cincinnati II had a strong penalty appeal waved away after a collision inside the box.
• 89th minute – A last‑ditch block from a Columbus centre‑back preserved the clean sheet.

Tactical Story

Cincinnati II attempted to build from the back with short passes, but Columbus Crew B pressed aggressively in midfield, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The visitors’ compact 4‑4‑2 formation stifled Cincinnati’s creative outlets, particularly the wide players. Once Columbus took the lead, they dropped deeper, inviting pressure but absorbing it with disciplined shape.

Cincinnati’s inability to convert possession into clear‑cut chances was the defining narrative. They registered seven shots but only two on target, both comfortably saved. Columbus, meanwhile, registered five shots, with four on target, reflecting greater efficiency in the final third.

Standout Players

• Columbus Crew B Goalkeeper – Made two crucial saves in the first half and commanded his area well on crosses.
• Columbus Crew B No. 9 (Goalscorer) – His movement off the ball created the opening for the winner; also held up play effectively.
• Cincinnati II Midfield No. 8 – Worked tirelessly to recycle possession, completing over 90% of his passes despite the loss.

Table and Season Impact

The victory lifts Columbus Crew B into mid‑table in the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference, collecting a valuable three points on the road. For Cincinnati II, the defeat leaves them just above the playoff line but with a need to improve their home form. The Ohio derby remains a fiercely contested fixture, and this edition will give the Crew’s young prospects plenty of confidence moving forward.

Next up for Cincinnati II: a trip to face New England Revolution II. Columbus Crew B will host New York City FC II.