Kevin Denkey, FC Cincinnati off to winning start in MLS Cup Playoffs

FC Cincinnati got off to a strong start in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs on Monday with Kevin Denkey’s goal standing as the match winner in a 1-0 victory over rivals Columbus Crew.

YES SIR 🔥 @KevinDenkey9
The moment we needed. pic.twitter.com/yHKIXU3Mq6

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) October 28, 2025

The Togo national team striker was in the right place to provide a calm finish in the 78th minute, giving Cincinnati the edge in the opening game of a best-of-three series. The Orange and Blue will travel to Columbus for the second match of the series on Sunday, November 2.

With a special playoff edition of the rivalry match known as the “Hell Is Real” derby, the opening game had an added intensity with more on the line. Both teams created opportunities but visitors Columbus could not take advantage of their chances while hosts Cincinnati struggled to find chemistry in their attack.

However, the Columbus defense’s offside trap failed them and allowed right back Ender Echenique to get behind on the wing. The Venezuelan’s cross to the far post ricocheted back to Denkey in the six-yard box and the Togolese forward had time to lift his finish over Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

Denkey now has 18 goals in all competitions this season from 34 matches and is continuing to live up to high expectations after joining from Belgian club Cercle Brugge for a record fee of over €15 million. Another victory at Columbus on Sunday will advance Cincinnati to the Eastern Conference semifinals after the club finished second place in the conference during the regular season.