New York City FC Gets Better of FC Cincinnati 3-2

October 2, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
FC Cincinnati 2 News Release

FC Cincinnati dropped a 3-2 road result to New York City FC on Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena. With the result, the Orange and Blue fell to 17-10-5 (56 points) as NYCFC improved to 13-11-8 (47 points).

NYCFC struck first in the 16th minute on a long-range effort from Mitja Ilenic and would score a second in the 65th minute on a goal from Alonso Martínez.

After a handball in the ball, FC Cincinnati were awarded a penalty which Luciano ‘Lucho’ Acosta converted for his 13th league goal of the season in the 69th minute. His goal marked his 32nd goal contribution of the season (13 goals, 19 assists) which set a new single-season club record for the Orange and Blue.

NYCFC were awarded a penalty shortly after when VAR determined the Cincinnati defense committed a foul in the box, which Santiago Rodríguez converted in the 75th minute. Corey Baird scored for the Orange and Blue six minutes into second-half stoppage time to pull one back for the visitors, but FCC were unable to grab an equalizer.

AS IT HAPPENED

NYC: Mitja Ilenic, GOAL – 16′ (1-0) – Maxi Moralez controlled possession down the left wing, assessing options for New York City in the Cincinnati half. Moralez picked out Mitja Ilenic with a long pass through the middle of the field to reverse the field. Illenic took a touch before sending in a low shot through the Cincinnati defense and picked out the back of the net at the far post.

NYC: Alonso Martínez, GOAL – 65′ (2-0) – New York’s Santiago Rodríguez sparked the move that led to City’s second goal of the night, forcing a Cincinnati turnover and making a long run from half to half. On approaching the Orange and Blue’s penalty box, Rodríguez picked out Alonso Martínez making a supporting run who finished with a curled right footed effort.

CIN: Luciano Acosta, GOAL (PK) – 69′ (2-1) – After a handball in the box from a New York City defender, Luciano Acosta converted from the spot to cut New York City’s lead with 20 minutes to play in regulation.

NYC: Santiago Rodríguez, GOAL (PK) – 75′ (3-1) – Rodríguez responded to Acosta’s successful penalty with one of his own to regain a two-goal advantage for the hosts.

CIN: Corey Baird, GOAL – 90’+6 (3-2) – Yamil Asad and Luciano Acosta quickly resumed play in second half stoppage as Cincinnati looked for a way back into the match. Acosta took the short pass and sent in a cross where Niko Gioacchini rose to challenge for a shot….