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.

New York City FC will now go on to face another New York City team, the New York Red Bulls. Earlier this week, Ohio's other MLS team, the Columbus Crew, was eliminated from the cup by the New York Red Bulls. The Columbus Crew were the defending MLS Cup champions.

Mitja Ilenic scored the winning penalty as New York City FC beat FC Cincinnati 6-5 on penalties to progress to the Eastern Conference semis.

New York City FC kept its 2024 Major League Soccer season alive on Saturday, winning 3-1 at home to FC Cincinnati. The result takes this MLS Playoffs Round One series to a third and final game in Cincinnati next weekend.

Instead, Santiago Rodríguez scored a third and final goal for New York City FC in a penalty kick in the seventh minute of stoppage time during the second half, cementing the team's victory in front of a friendly New York audience.