'Hell is Real': What to know about Columbus-Cincinnati MLS conference final

Professional soccer in Ohio hasn't always been this healthy. Ten years ago, the Columbus Crew were considering a move to Texas. Two years ago, FC Cincinnati was the worst team in MLS by far. The growth of both teams is remarkable.

For Columbus, true change was catalyzed by the desire of the city's fans for attacking soccer. That interest attracted coach Wilfried Nancy, who saw potential in Columbus and believed he could take the team to the top of MLS. Nancy's unique playing style, focused on a breathtaking high press, pushed the team past even the league's toughest defenses.

"We were talking about trying to create a story, trying to create memory,' Nancy said of his players after their 2-0 semifinal victory over Orlando SC. "These players, I challenged them to add their own chapter to the club history."

Taking the lead on writing that chapter was Cucho Hernandez, the Crew's clutch Colombian striker. His goal from midfield sealed the semifinal for Columbus.

As for Cincinnati, its coach, Pat Noonan, admitted that the team's 1-0 semifinal win over the Philadelphia Union "wasn't always the prettiest." The Cincinnati of old, however, would have rolled over in a tough game. This new outfit held on until the last moment, scoring a controversial winning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time. 

For a well-drilled team like Cincinnati, breakthroughs come from moments of individual brilliance. Strikers Brandon Vazquez and Luciano Acosta have provided those moments all season, but in the playoffs, all eyes have been on young defender Yerson Mosquera. He scored the crucial goal for Cincinnati in the semifinals and is the player to watch in the Eastern Conference final.

The MLS Eastern Conference final is Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.