FC Cincinnati Can’t Find Comeback Finisher, Fall 3-2 to NYCFC

October 2, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release

FC Cincinnati could not find the final finish needed despite a valiant effort in a road battle at NYCFC, falling 3-2 in an match that needed over 115 minutes to finish. Luciano Acosta and Corey Baird each scored to cut into the lead of NYCFC, but a fiery finish could not muster a third for The Orange and Blue.

For the 40th time in 40 games this season, Pat Noonan deployed a unique lineup. This time again due to injury forcing a change. With Chidozie Awaziem out for the match with a leg injury, Teenage Hadebe filled in at Center Back and made his first start for The Orange and Blue. Along that backline, Alvas Powell also stepped in on the right side as a Center Back with Miles Robinson in the middle. Powell subbed in for Awaziem in the teams last match and performed excellently, perhaps earning him the start in this match.

NYCFC got on the scoreboard first after racing out early and putting the pressure on. Roman Celentano, who had already made two key stops to thwart chances in the first quarter-hour of the match, dove to reach the shot coming from outside the box. But the low burning shot with pace was too quick and too well placed and nestled itself in the side netting just barely tucking into the far post.

Now down a goal after just 16 minutes of play, FCC came together to reconnect and push forward.

While the teams would go into the locker room with that 1-0 scoreline still on the board, FC Cincinnati had plenty of dangerous moments. Luciano Acosta and Kevin Kelsy connected multiple times for dangerous chances, but just couldn’t find that final touch. Yuya Kubo also found his moments, but it was Luca Orellano who had the best look. The Argentine winger drove to the middle after Acosta was fouled and advantage was played, but the shot glided just wide of the frame and ended the threat.

The lone substitution at half time was made by FC Cincinnati to bring on Yamil Asad for Hadebe. Asad has combined excellently with his Argentine teammates on the offensive end, so his entry into the game perhaps showed hints at what Head Coach Pat Noonan was looking to change for the second 45 minutes of the match.

The second half though was where things would ramp up to a fever pitch as the action started going both ways. NYCFC first doubled their lead with a transition break out that left Miles Robinson alone at the back to defend three attackers. A shot taken from distance that clanged off the bar and…