Cincinnati had lost three straight matches before playing Portland last weekend, losing their last two matches of the 2025 Leagues Cup and falling 1-0 to FC Charlotte after Tah Anunga was sent off. However, a hard-fought 3-2 win at Providence Park proved Cincinnati deserved the top spot of the Eastern Conference. The Garys put three goals past Portland in the first half, but conceded the second goal with 20 minutes left to play.