This year's Mr. October? Tracking the 2026 playoff MVP

This Year’s Mr. October? Tracking the 2026 Playoff MVP

Match Overview

Columbus Crew secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Inter Miami CF at Lower.com Field to advance to the MLS Eastern Conference Finals. The high-stakes playoff clash lived up to the billing, featuring three second-half goals and a late red card that sealed Miami’s postseason exit. Columbus controlled the tempo early, but a resilient Miami side fought back before ultimately succumbing to the Crew’s relentless counter-attack.

Key Stats & Facts

Scoreline: Columbus Crew 3-2 Inter Miami CF
Possession: Columbus Crew 54% | Inter Miami CF 46%
Shots (On Target): Columbus Crew 16 (8) | Inter Miami CF 11 (5)
Expected Goals (xG): Columbus Crew 2.14 | Inter Miami CF 1.45
Passing Accuracy: Columbus Crew 87% | Inter Miami CF 81%
Discipline: 5 Yellow Cards (Columbus 2, Miami 3); 1 Red Card (Sergio Busquets, Miami, 87’)
Milestone: Columbus Crew extends their home unbeaten streak in the playoffs to nine consecutive matches.

Player Spotlight

Columbus forward Cucho Hernández solidified his claim as this year’s “Mr. October” with a masterful brace and an assist. The Colombian international opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a clinical header and delivered the match-winning strike in the 78th minute via a powerful curling effort.

Hernández has now recorded five goals and three assists in just three playoff appearances during the 2026 postseason campaign. He currently leads all MLS playoff players in expected goal involvement (xGI) per 90 minutes at 1.34.

Standings Impact

With this victory, Columbus Crew clinches a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they will host either Philadelphia Union or New York City FC. The defeat officially ends Inter Miami’s 2026 campaign, preventing them from securing a domestic double after their Supporters’ Shield triumph. Columbus remains the highest-seeded team left in the Eastern Conference bracket, securing home-field advantage for the next round.