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.

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

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.