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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Crew headed to MLS Cup</li><li>Two-goal comeback late</li><li>Ramirez scores winner in 115th minute</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Superman shows up to save Columbus! Christian Ramirez the hero as Crew topple rivals FC Cincinnati to reach MLS Cup

Major League Soccer

FC Cincinnati

Nashville SC

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Pachuca

Columbus Crew

Playing on their home field, FC Cincinnati didn’t take long to light up the Bailey. Brandon Vazquez scored for the hosts just 14 minutes in, giving Cincy a huge advantage so early into a clash with their local rivals. The pace only quickened from there, with both sides pressing the life out of each other. The Crew, by and large, had the better of the play in the first half.However, just seconds before the interval, Acosta ensured they went into the locker room seething, scoring a goal with what turned out to be the final kick of the opening period. The 2023 MLS MVP’s goal came from a curled shot following a set-piece routine, giving Cincy a 2-0 lead. The Crew fought back, though, particularly after Aaron Boupendza saw two chances to make it 3-0 ruled out. A 75th-minute own goal from Alvas Powell set up a frenetic final 15 minutes with a spot in MLS Cup on the line.The Crew's second then came in the 86th minute, as Diego Rossi stunned a tiring FC Cincinnati with another Crew goal to send the game into extra time. Once there, FC Cincinnati began to fold, unable to keep up with the pace their opponents maintained. Ramirez ultimately became the hero, tapping home a Cucho Hernandez pass to send the Crew to the league finale for the second time in four seasons.

TELL ME MORE

He controversially didn't start the game, but Ramirez made sure he finished it. With his side pushing and pushing against a tiring FC Cincinnati team, Ramirez tapped home the all-important goal. Before that, he'd set up the first one, pressing the Cincy backline into an own goal, but it's his late finish that got 'Superman' Man of the Match honors.

THE MVP

FC Cincinnati had it in their hands, up 2-0, but they let it slip. And it happened with Acosta hobbling, unable to save his team's downhill slide. In extra time, with the Crew swarming, the Argentine could barely jog and watched as his side conceded the goal that ended their season. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lucho-acosta-mls-mvp-lionel-messi-role-usmnt-2026-world-cup/blt8c0a586bd14cf931" target="_blank">It was an unfair ending for the MVP</a>, who, despite his goal, couldn't save the day one last time.

THE BIG LOSER

Following their win, the Crew have earned the right to host MLS Cup at Lower.com Field after taking down their local rivals. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lafc-houston-dynamo-mls-cup/blta9b629ffb5f05358" target="_blank">They'll face the 2022 MLS Cup champions, LAFC</a>, on December 9 with the league's big trophy on the line.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Superman shows up to save Columbus! Christian Ramirez the hero as Crew topple rivals FC Cincinnati to reach MLS Cup | Goal.com UK

Christian Ramirez has long been nicknamed &apos;Superman&apos;, and he more than earned the monicker as he led the Columbus Crew to teh MLS Cup