February 29, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Cincinnati News Release
Largely on the back of their up-and-coming talent, FC Cincinnati handily defeated Cavalier FC, 4-0, Wednesday night to punch their ticket to the next round of the Concacaf Champions Cup against CF Monterrey.
Three players scored their first goals, another collected their first assist, and another made their first team debut. In all, eight players who logged minutes for FC Cincinnati 2 in 2023 made an appearance, highlighting the strong development coming from inside the FCC system.
“Really pleased with the performance,” head coach Pat Noonan said of the victory. “We stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet and goal differential, and continuing to attack the right way and play the game the right way.
“I was happy with the score line. I’m happy with the guys that contributed and got good minutes tonight while allowing us some much needed rest for a couple individuals. So, a good series for our group and we move on in a good position.”
Alvas Powell earned his first goal for the club after 81 career matches to open the scoring in the 19th minute. Aaron Boupendza doubled the lead with a thunderous strike before the halftime whistle blew, essentially securing FCC’s result.
But players had their fingerprints all over the match, with many doing so as starters.
Gerardo “Dado” Valenzuela assisted on the Boupendza goal, becoming the youngest player in club history to earn an assist at just 19 years and 150 days old. Bret Halsey, who had two assists by the evening’s end, served his pass on a platter for Powell to put into the back of the net. Malik Pinto roamed the midfield with assurance and poise. Arquimides Ordoñez patrolled the top of the field and helped create dangerous opportunities all night.
After halftime, Noonan unleashed his full group of youngsters. Calling on 16-year-old Stiven Jimenez for his third appearance with the first team, London Aghedo for his debut performance, and Isaiah Foster for his second appearance.
“The younger guys, the guys that play for the second team a lot, we always have something to prove,” Aghedo said after his FCC debut. “Just the fact that coach Pat trusted us to go out there and get the job done in a tournament like this, it means a lot.”
“It felt good,” Foster echoed in his time with the media. “(A goal) builds confidence, but just the fact that coach Pat trusts me to be on the field in the first place is a blessing in itself.”
At times, it…
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