In the end, FC Cincinnati's 2024 season was reduced to a lottery, and FCC lost. FC Cincinnati was eliminated from the MLS Cup playoffs Saturday by New York City FC in an Eastern Conference first-round match at TQL Stadium.

Following Monday's Game One win for FC Cincinnati, another victory would see the club reach the Eastern Conference semifinal round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year. NYCFC will attempt to force the series back to TQL Stadium in Cincinnati for a decisive Game Three.

FC Cincinnati and New York City FC couldn't decide a winner after neither side scored over 90 minutes, but Matt Freese moved NYCFC on to the MLS conference semifinal after making three saves in the penalty shootout in which NYCFC had a 6-5 edge