Eight months? Has it been that long since we had experienced one of the tensest "Hell Is Real" derbies for ourselves?

Fresh off of the relaunch of the 2026 MLS season, the gates reopen for the first time this year. The Orange & Blue walk into the mouth of the enemy, taking on the Columbus Crew in the first Ohio derby of the season.

While FC Cincinnati merely readjusted the tools in place, Columbus have been undergoing vast renovations. Not only is Wilfried Nancy out the door for greener pastures, but so is his replacement. The Columbus front office has moved their parts quickly during the off time, making this next installment difficult to predict.

So what can we expect in the state capital? We ask Caleb Denorme from Massive Report to rejoin us and educate the Cincinnati public on the mammoth changes made in the Crew's roster.

Tune in and trade threads with us! #MLS #FCCincinnati #soccer

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