Brenner’s hat trick sparks FC Cincinnati into MLS playoffs

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Brenner scored three goals and surging Cincinnati wrapped up its first MLS playoff spot, defeating DC United 5-2 on Sunday.

Cincinnati, 6-2-12 in its last 20 matches, will be the fifth seed in the playoffs and face No. 4 New York Red Bulls in the opening round.

Luciano Acosta opened the scoring in the 6th minute then Brenner connected on all three of his goals before halftime. Cincinnati led 4-1 at the break. Brandon Vázquez scored in the second half.

Brenner has three hat tricks among his 18 goals this season. Acosta had one assist, increasing his league-leading total to 19.

Ravel Morrison and Kristian Fletcher scored for DC United, which avoided tying the MLS record of 17 goalless games in a season.

The victory marked the first time Cincinnati (12-9-13) defeated DC United (7-21-6) in MLS play. DC United leads the series 4-1-3.

Orlando 2, Columbus 1

Facundo Torres scored on a penalty kick in the 84th minute and host Orlando City grabbed the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with a victory over the Columbus Crew.

Orlando City (14-14-6) beat Columbus (10-8-16) for the seventh time in the last eight meetings. Orlando City went 9-8-0 at home this season. The only other team to finish a season without a draw at home, excluding the shortened 2020 season, was the 2002 New England Revolution.

Columbus needed a win or a tie to advance. The club set a MLS record by dropping 11 points in the 90th minute or later this season — topping the previous mark by three points.

Derrick Etienne staked the Crew to a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 38th minute. It was Etienne’s 10th goal of the season, tying Lucas Zelarayán for the team lead.

Júnior Urso’s sixth goal of the season pulled Orlando City even in the 56th minute, setting the stage for Torres’ match winner. A handball call on the Crew’s Milos Degenek led to the penalty kick. It was Torres’ ninth goal, second on the team to Ercan Kara’s 11.