FC Cincinnati II vs Columbus Crew II Prediction: Preview and Betting Tips

FC Cincinnati II host Columbus Crew II at NKU Soccer Stadium in MLS Next Pro Group Stage action on 14 June 2026, with the latest edition of this Ohio derby arriving at a pivotal moment for both sides. The venue has been kind to the hosts in recent meetings, but the broader league picture paints a very different story.

In the Northeast Division standings, FC Cincinnati II sit 8th with 9 points from 12 matches, having lost 9 of those fixtures and carrying a goal difference of -10. Across the Eastern Conference table they are 14th with the same record, underlining just how much they are struggling to keep pace. Columbus Crew II, by contrast, top the Northeast Division with 26 points from 14 games and are 2nd in the Eastern Conference, firmly in the “Promotion - MLS Next Pro (Play Offs: 1/8-finals)” positions. This clash therefore pits a side fighting to arrest a slump against a team firmly in the playoff race.

Recent MLS Next Pro stats suggest a clear gap in attacking power. FC Cincinnati II have scored 12 goals and conceded 22 in 12 league outings, averaging 1.0 goals for and 1.8 against per match. Columbus Crew II have hit 25 goals and shipped 23 in 14 games, with an attacking average of 1.9 goals per match and a perfect record of nine wins and no draws. Yet head-to-head history in Cincinnati shows the hosts are capable of upsetting the form book, adding intrigue to this rivalry showdown.

FC Cincinnati II vs Columbus Crew II Key Stats

• FC Cincinnati II have taken 9 points from 12 matches (3 wins, 9 losses) with 12 goals for and 22 against in MLS Next Pro this season.
• Across the last five MLS Next Pro meetings listed, the home side has won all five: three FC Cincinnati II home wins and two Columbus Crew II home wins.
• FC Cincinnati II average 1.0 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per match this season, while Columbus Crew II average 1.9 scored and 1.7 conceded.

FC Cincinnati II vs Columbus Crew II — Tale of the Tape

• Position: 8 vs 1 (Northeast Division)
• Points: 9 vs 26
• Goals For: 12 vs 25
• Goals Against: 22 vs 23
• Clean Sheets: FC Cincinnati II 2 vs Columbus Crew II 2

In divisional terms, the contrast is stark. FC Cincinnati II’s 3 wins and 9 defeats from 12 games leave them near the bottom of the Northeast Division, with a -10 goal difference and no draws to show for their efforts. Their home record is more respectable, with 3 wins and 3 losses and 10 goals scored in 6 matches, but their away form has been disastrous, losing all 6 on the road and scoring just twice.

Columbus Crew II, by contrast, are leading the Northeast Division and sitting 2nd in the Eastern Conference. They have 9 wins and 5 defeats from 14 games, with a positive goal difference and a strong home record of 6 wins from 7. Away from home they are more vulnerable, with 3 wins and 4 losses and 16 goals conceded, but their overall attacking output and league form underline why they are firmly in the playoff positions while FC Cincinnati II are battling at the wrong end of the table.

FC Cincinnati II vs Columbus Crew II Key Matchups

FC Cincinnati II attack vs Columbus Crew II defence

Without individual scorer data available, the focus shifts to unit performance. FC Cincinnati II’s attack has produced 12 goals in 12 league games, with an average of 1.7 goals at home and just 0.3 away. They have failed to score in 5 of their 12 matches, highlighting inconsistency in the final third. Against that, Columbus Crew II’s defence has conceded 24 league goals across 14 games, with an average of 1.1 goals conceded at home but a much leakier 2.3 away. If FC Cincinnati II can replicate their stronger home attacking numbers, there is scope to trouble a Columbus back line that has been far from watertight on the road.

Columbus Crew II frontline vs FC Cincinnati II back line

Columbus Crew II’s attacking unit is one of the most productive in the conference, scoring 27 league goals at an average of 1.9 per match, including 12 away goals at 1.7 per game. They have scored in 13 of their 14 matches, failing to find the net only once. FC Cincinnati II’s defence, meanwhile, has conceded 22 goals in 12 games, with 8 allowed at home and 14 away. Their average of 1.3 goals conceded at home is reasonable, but overall defensive fragility is reflected in a longest losing streak of 4 and heavy defeats such as 4-0 away. Containing Columbus’s multi-phase attack over 90 minutes will be a major challenge.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

This rivalry has been defined by home dominance in recent seasons, with the last five clashes all won by the hosts. FC Cincinnati II have made NKU Soccer Stadium a difficult trip for Columbus Crew II, while Columbus have been ruthless in their own backyard.

• 10 May 2026: FC Cincinnati II 2-1 Columbus Crew II (MLS Next Pro, Group Stage)
• 21 March 2026: Columbus Crew II 2-0 FC Cincinnati II (MLS Next Pro, Group Stage)
• 25 September 2025: FC Cincinnati II 4-3 Columbus Crew II (MLS Next Pro, Regular Season - 6)
• 18 May 2025: Columbus Crew II 1-0 FC Cincinnati II (MLS Next Pro, Regular Season - 13)
• 15 September 2024: FC Cincinnati II 2-1 Columbus Crew II (MLS Next Pro, Regular Season - 37)

FC Cincinnati II vs Columbus Crew II Prediction

Form and league context point strongly towards Columbus Crew II having the edge. Their last five league games show 60% form with 10 goals scored and 9 conceded, compared to FC Cincinnati II’s 20% form, just 3 goals scored and 11 conceded over the same sample. The comparison metrics rate Columbus higher in form (75% vs 25%), attack (77% vs 23%) and defence (55% vs 45%).

However, the head-to-head pattern at NKU Soccer Stadium is a genuine counterweight: FC Cincinnati II have beaten Columbus Crew II 2-1 (10 May 2026), 4-3 (25 September 2025) and 2-1 (15 September 2024) in their last three home meetings, often in high-scoring, chaotic games. The prediction metrics still lean towards Columbus Crew II, with a “Win or draw” tag and 45% probabilities assigned to both away win and draw, and only 10% to a home victory. That suggests the visitors are more likely to avoid defeat, but the home advantage and rivalry factor could keep the scoreline tight.

Predicted Score: FC Cincinnati II 1-2 Columbus Crew II

FC Cincinnati II League Form

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Columbus Crew II League Form

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FC Cincinnati II Possible Starting Lineup

Goalkeepers: B. Dowd or Fabian Mrozek; Defenders: G. Flores, D. Hurtado, M. Miazga, Felix Samson; Midfielders: A. Chavez, N. Gray, Y. Ramos, M. Sullivan; Forwards: Stefan Chirila, K. Fletcher, M. Vazquez.

FC Cincinnati II have a deep squad with multiple goalkeeping options including B. Dowd and Fabian Mrozek, and experienced defensive presence from M. Miazga alongside young talents like G. Flores and Felix Samson. In midfield, creative and energetic profiles such as A. Chavez, N. Gray and Y. Ramos will be key to linking play and offering protection to a back line that has conceded 22 goals. Up front, attackers like Stefan Chirila, K. Fletcher and M. Vazquez will be relied upon to convert limited chances, especially given the team’s record of failing to score in 5 league matches. Expect a pragmatic shape designed to stay compact and exploit transitions.

Columbus Crew II Possible Starting Lineup

Goalkeepers: Luke Pruter; Defenders: R. Aoki, Tristan Brown, Owen Presthus, Cesar Ruvalcaba; Midfielders: J. Chirinos, G. De Libera, Q. Elliot, M. Nyeman; Forwards: B. Adu-Gyamfi, I. Kone, K. Gbamble.

Columbus Crew II can build from the back with an experienced goalkeeper in Luke Pruter and a back line featuring R. Aoki, Tristan Brown, Owen Presthus and Cesar Ruvalcaba. Their midfield unit, including J. Chirinos, G. De Libera, Q. Elliot and M. Nyeman, underpins a high-tempo style that has produced 27 league goals. In attack, options such as B. Adu-Gyamfi, I. Kone and K. Gbamble give them pace and direct running, which suits their strong away scoring record of 12 goals in 7 matches. Tactically, they are likely to be proactive, pressing high and trusting their attack to outscore a vulnerable FC Cincinnati II defence.

FC Cincinnati II Team News

No significant absences reported.

Columbus Crew II Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

FC Cincinnati II:

• None reported.

Columbus Crew II:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: FC Cincinnati II vs Columbus Crew II

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Double chance on Columbus Crew II or draw looks the most logical angle. Columbus have 9 wins and 5 losses with no draws this season and hold a clear edge in form and attacking metrics, while prediction metrics rate home win probability at just 10% versus 45% each for draw and away win. (No odds data available.)
• Goals Tip: Both teams to score or a goals-based angle is attractive. FC Cincinnati II’s home matches in this rivalry have recently finished 2-1 and 4-3 in their favour, and Columbus average 1.9 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per game. Defensive vulnerabilities on both sides suggest a match with goals at each end. (No odds data available.)
• Value Tip: Backing Columbus Crew II to score at least two goals has value given their 27 league goals in 14 games and 12 away goals at 1.7 per match, against an FC Cincinnati II defence conceding 1.8 per game overall. Columbus have scored 10 in their last five league fixtures and tend to keep attacking for 90 minutes. (No odds data available.)

How to Watch FC Cincinnati II vs Columbus Crew II

Broadcast coverage varies by region. General guide:

• Spain: Movistar LaLiga
• UK: Premier Sports
• Australia: beIN Sports
• India: FanCode
• MENA: beIN Sports
• South America: ESPN / Disney+
• Africa: SuperSport

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.