Cincinnati, OH – The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs reach a pivotal juncture this Sunday, November 23rd, as Inter Miami CF travels to TQL Stadium to face FC Cincinnati in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference Semifinal. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET, with the match broadcast live on Apple TV and MLS Season Pass, marking a crucial test for both clubs vying for a spot in the Conference Final of the MLS Cup Playoffs. This clash is a must-watch for fans of MLS soccer and the excitement of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
For Inter Miami, this matchup represents uncharted territory in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The club, in just its fifth year of existence, has never advanced beyond the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs before this postseason. Their historic run to the conference semifinals is a testament to the impact of their star-laden roster, headlined by global icon Lionel Messi. The pressure is immense for Miami to not only continue their unprecedented playoff journey but to ultimately contend for the MLS Cup, a trophy that has eluded them since their inception, making this year’s MLS Cup Playoffs a defining moment in their history of MLS Cup Playoffs contention.
FC Cincinnati, on the other hand, brings a wealth of recent playoff experience and a formidable home-field advantage to the contest. The Orange and Blue have reached the conference semifinals twice in their club history and are fresh off a hard-fought series victory over rivals Columbus Crew in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Finishing the regular season second in the Eastern Conference with 65 points, Cincinnati has established itself as a consistent contender in MLS soccer, showcasing defensive solidity and potent attacking threats. Their record at TQL Stadium is particularly impressive, making them a dangerous opponent for any visiting team in the MLS Cup Playoffs, especially in crucial playoff soccer scenarios.
Star Power on Both Sides: Messi vs. Cincinnati’s Attack in the MLS Cup Playoffs
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Lionel Messi, who has been in scintillating form throughout the latter half of the season and into the MLS Cup Playoffs. The 2025 MLS Golden Boot winner has been instrumental for Inter Miami, amassing 17 goal contributions (10 goals, 7 assists) in his last six matches. His ability to influence games, whether through scoring or creating, has been paramount to Miami’s success in the MLS Cup Playoffs, and he was also named to the 2025 MLS Best XI. Backing him up is Luis Suárez, who, despite a suspension in the previous round, is expected to lead the line for Miami in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Suárez, who signed a contract extension through 2025, was Inter Miami’s leading scorer in 2024 and brings a wealth of experience and predatory instinct to the MLS soccer stage, crucial for their MLS Cup Playoffs run.
FC Cincinnati boasts its own impressive attacking talent. Midfielder Evander, a 2025 MLS Best XI selection, has been a revelation, recording 18 goals and 15 assists in the regular season. The club also features new Designated Player striker Kévin Denkey, a record MLS signing from Cercle Brugge, whose goal-scoring prowess from Europe is expected to bolster Cincinnati’s offense during the MLS Cup Playoffs. The tactical battle between Miami’s legendary duo and Cincinnati’s dynamic midfield and striking options promises to be a captivating subplot in this year’s MLS Cup Playoffs, highlighting the thrilling nature of playoff soccer.
Tactical Battles and Injury Concerns in the MLS Cup Playoffs
This Eastern Conference Semifinal pits two teams with contrasting playoff narratives against each other in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Inter Miami’s journey has been characterized by resilience and the sheer brilliance of Messi, overcoming challenges to reach this stage for the first time in the MLS Cup Playoffs. FC Cincinnati, meanwhile, relies on a more established team structure and the roar of their home crowd at TQL Stadium, a venue known for its intimidating atmosphere during playoff soccer. These contrasting styles make the MLS Cup Playoffs encounter all the more intriguing.
Both teams are dealing with key absences that could impact their performance in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Inter Miami will be without midfielders David Ruiz and Ryan Sailor due to injuries, with defender Ian Fray also questionable. For FC Cincinnati, defender Matt Miazga and backup goalkeeper Alec Kann are unavailable, while midfielder Ender Echenique is questionable. These personnel situations could significantly influence team selections and tactical approaches for their crucial MLS Cup Playoffs match, shaping the outcome of this vital playoff soccer fixture.
The historical head-to-head record between the two clubs is remarkably balanced, with five wins apiece and three draws across 13 meetings. Recent regular season encounters saw FC Cincinnati secure a dominant 3-0 victory at home on July 16, 2025, followed by a scoreless draw on July 26. However, past regular season results often hold little weight in the high-stakes environment of the MLS Cup Playoffs, where single-elimination matches demand peak performance for playoff soccer. Each team is aiming to advance in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
A Defining Moment in MLS Sports News for the MLS Cup Playoffs
The stakes for this Miami club are undeniable in the context of the MLS Cup Playoffs. With the careers of veteran stars like Lionel Messi and Suárez potentially drawing to a close, and with club legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also on potentially their last dance, capturing an MLS Cup this season would be a monumental achievement, etching their names into league history. For FC Cincinnati, this is another opportunity to solidify their status as an MLS powerhouse and advance to their first-ever conference final, building upon their Supporters’ Shield triumph in 2023. This match is a key fixture in the ongoing MLS Cup Playoffs, a testament to the competitive nature of MLS soccer.
As Sunday approaches, the anticipation is palpable for this crucial MLS Cup Playoffs fixture. The news surrounding this clash points to a fiercely contested battle, where individual brilliance will meet team cohesion. The winner will advance one step closer to MLS Cup glory, while the loser will see their season come to an end. This Eastern Conference Semifinal is poised to be a classic encounter in the ongoing MLS Cup Playoffs narrative, showcasing the excitement of playoff soccer and the quest for the MLS Cup.
