FC Cincinnati Come up Short in Eastern Conference Semifinal Against Philadelphia Union

October 21, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Cincinnati News Release

FC Cincinnati’s season came to an end Thursday night in Chester, Pennsylvania against the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Semifinal by a score of 1-0.

The Orange and Blue opened the match on the front foot forcing a few uncomfortable moments for the Union. Cincinnati threatened with a corner two minutes into the match and tested Andre Blake two minutes later from open play.

Alvas Powell whipped in a good cross that Blake came to play but couldn’t handle. A nervy moment ensued but the following attempt from the Orange and Blue was dealt with and cleared by the Philadelphia defense.

The Union did well to absorb early pressure from Cincinnati and responded with a chance of their own a few minutes later. Julián Carranza took aim at goal and challenged Roman Celentano with a decent strike, but the in-form keeper handled well to make a save.

Dániel Gazdag nearly opened the scoring for the hosts with a glancing header in the 8th minute. Gazdag found a yard of space inside the box going unmarked and attacked the initial cross but was off the mark pushing his attempt just wide of the far post.

Celentano was excellent between the sticks in the opening forty-five minutes making three saves against a dangerous attacking side. Carranza looked to open things in the 14th minute, but Celentano was up to the challenge, dealing with the dangerous chance with ease.

Obinna Nwobodo shinned for the Orange and Blue in the midfield and unlocked the Philly defense for Cincinnati’s best chance of the first half. Nwobodo jumped on a loose ball in midfield and picked out Brandon Vazquez at the top of the Union box. A quick turn from Vazquez ended with a shot on goal but Blake denied the clinical finisher.

FC Cincinnati finished the first half with five shots, two of which were on target, while Philadelphia went into the break having attempted seven shots, three on target.

Junior Moreno nearly gave FC Cincinnati the lead in the 50th minute with a brilliant curler at the top of the box. A well-struck shot was met with an as impressive save from Blake to keep the match level.

Philadelphia found the breakthrough in the 59th minute by way of Leon Flach’s first goal of the year. Flach took his attempt on a pass from Mikael Uhre, finishing with a controlled strike to beat Celentano.

FC Cincinnati pushed to find an equalizer with a number of good chances coming in the final twenty minutes of play. Captain…