In 2017, the Columbus Crew drew a United Soccer League team in the U.S. Open Cup, the annual tournament featuring teams from throughout the divisions of United States soccer. That team was FC Cincinnati, two years into the club’s existence as a lower-league side.
Since that time, when the lower-league side upset the Major League Soccer team, Cincinnati joined MLS, the Black & Gold won an MLS Cup and both sides — located roughly two hours apart — unveiled new stadiums. But when did the rivalry transfer from the fans in the stands to the players on the field?