FC Cincinnati is starting its post-season run on Monday. The team will face New York City FC in a best-of-three series. The first game will kick-off at home at TQL Stadium at 6:45 p.m. FC Cincinnati is ranked third in the MLS's Eastern Conference, while New York City FC is ranked sixth.

Red Bull Arena hosted New York City FC’s final home match of the regular season. Having secured a spot in the playoffs after the win in the derby, the results now aimed to finish the season between the top 4 of the conference.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 28: Luca Orellano #23 of FC Cincinnati celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second half of a MLS soccer match against Los Angeles FC at TQL Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

New York City FC (14-11-8, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. CF Montreal (10-13-10, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Ready or not, it's time for FC Cincinnati's MLS Cup playoff run. FC Cincinnati has been preparing for this moment since preseason was convened in January. There have been hot streaks, cold spells, thrills,

Pat Noonan hopes the urgency of the MLS Cup playoffs will bring the best out of his third-seeded FC Cincinnati when they host sixth-seeded New York City FC in their Round 1 series opener on Monday night.