FC Cincinnati Tops New York City FC, 1-0

March 23, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release

New York City FC suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at TQL Stadium on Saturday against Cincinnati. A tight contest saw few clear chances for either side. Lucho Acosta opened the scoring in the 57th minute, and despite fighting until the very last kick of the contest City were unable to find an equalizer.

Match Recap

New York City FC were on the hunt for back-to-back wins as they took on FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

The hosts had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season under Pat Noonan’s guidance, but City were eager to change that.

Head Coach Nick Cushing was forced into a number of changes to the side that overcame Toronto FC last time out, with nine First Team players missing the trip to TQL Stadium. Among the changes was an MLS debut for Strahinja Tanasijević following his arrival at the Club earlier this year – the Serbian defender forming a back three alongside Birk Risa and Thiago Martins.

City started the game well and wasted little time pressing their opponents high up the field in an attempt to disrupt Cincinnati’s rhythm.

It would be the hosts that produced the first chance of the contest through Aaron Boupendza in the 8th minute. He raced through to connect with a long ball, but his effort was well-gathered by Matt Freese.

Cincinnati thought they had the lead 15 minutes in after a corner was recycled wide and Kip Keller headed in the resulting cross. However, after consultation with VAR the goal was ruled out for offside.

At the other end, City were growing into the contest and proving a threat in transition. Despite being able to win the ball back in advantageous positions they were unable to convert that into clear-cut chances through the first half hour of the game.

That almost changed in the 33rd minute after a brilliant breakaway from City finished with Julián Fernández in space on the left-hand side of the box. After squaring up his man Fernández drove inside and curled a shot that only narrowly went wide.

The second period saw no changes for either side, but there was an early opportunity for City to take the lead after a cross from Fernández found Santiago Rodríguez free inside the area. The Uruguayan did brilliantly to head the ball on target, but he was denied his third of the season thanks to a strong hand from Roman Celentano.

City were forced into an early change in the 52nd minute after Risa picked up an injury – Justin Haak entering the game.

The hosts would take the…