October 1, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Cincinnati News Release
CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati dropped a 3-2 decision to visiting Chicago Fire FC on Saturday, Oct. 1 in front of a sellout crowd of 25,316 fans at TQL Stadium, the largest crowd of the season at the second-year home of FC Cincinnati.
The loss snapped FC Cincinnati’s 11-game unbeaten streak, the longest of the year in MLS. FCC fell to 11-9-13 (46 points) to end the night in fifth place in the Eastern Conference ahead of FCC’s final game of the regular season. Chicago improved to 10-15-8 (38 points).
FCC’s final game of the year will be played at D.C. United on Decision Day, next Sunday, Oct. 9 for a 2:30 p.m. ET kickoff. The Orange and Blue are one of five Eastern Conference sides remaining vying for the final three spots in the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Scoreless at the half, a five goal second half between the sides began with the visitors opening scoring in the 56th minute with a goal from Jhon Durán. His goal was the first of three Chicago Fire goals within 20 minutes, followed by Brian Gutiérrez’s 59th minute strike and Durán capping a brace in the 75th minute.
Down 3-0, FC Cincinnati’s comeback attempt took form beginning in the 78th minute on a response from Luciano Acosta. The captain’s ninth goal of the year began with Brandon Vazquez finding substitute Ronald Matarrita flying down the left side. Matarrita took a touch and picked out Acosta who volleyed home FCC’s first goal from close range.
Acosta scored from open play for the first time since Sept. 3 against Charlotte FC.
FC Cincinnati’s leading goal scorer ended a goal drought in MLS competition which had stood since Aug. 27 against Columbus Crew. Brandon Vazquez’s 17th goal of the year started with Obinna Nwobodo heading a loose ball back into the penalty area which found the feet of Vazquez. The striker turned and fired an unstoppable shot into the corner in the 89th minute.
Vazquez’s goal was his 23rd all-time MLS goal for FC Cincinnati, tied with Brenner for the most in club history.
An equalizer was not in the cards for FC Cincinnati in the game’s waning moments, who went down a man in the 95th minute on a red card issued to Sergio Santos.
FC Cincinnati finish the regular season next Sunday, Oct. 9 for Decision Day at D.C. United. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET from Audi Field and the game can be watched on Star64, streamed in-market at fccincinnati.com, out of market on ESPN+ and listened to on the radio on FOX…
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