FC Cincinnati was able to weather the 100-minute storm after the fastest goal in team history, securing their third straight victory thanks to Lucho Acosta's goal just 17 seconds later.
Early in the game, DeAndre Yedlin picked up the ball and saw Acosta make a great run. Yedlin made a great ball to send him off, and Acosta controlled it well, beating multiple Orlando players before easily slotting the ball into the net. The goal was scored just 17 seconds into the game, making it the fastest goal in team history.
After the goal, Orlando was in complete control of the game. It never looked like FCC was comfortable holding onto the ball or breaking through the midfield.
While Dagur Thorjalson and Rafael Santos showed great attack on the outside wing, Wilder Cartagena consistently suffered bouts of FCC when penetrating into the box.
It continued as the game progressed, with Facundo Torrest definitely supposed to equalize the game, but was unable to direct his shot on goal.
FCC looked to be on the verge of a breakout when Yuya Kubo was brought down by Rodrigo Schlegel just outside the penalty area. Ultimately, VAR investigated the play and a clear goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was determined.
Given the way FCC was playing, this call seemed to give them a break and allow them to play better. It wasn't. Despite playing with their opponents for nearly 60 minutes, Orlando still played significantly better. It even looked like Orlando would be the team to play by itself for the rest of the game.
This lasted until the second half, when it looked like coach Pat Noonan would be able to give his team some direction on how to make better use of the man advantage.
One of Orlando's best chances came early in the second half. Ian Murphy was unable to defend and allowed the opponent to shoot on goal. But he made up for it with a great goal-line clearance to deny the ball.
Then, in the 60th minute, new loan signing Kevin Kelce was finally brought on and immediately gave FCC what they needed. He can make plays with his big body and can withstand pressure.
FCC definitely looked like they were in trouble, but the problem was made worse when full-back Brett Halsey, who replaced the injured Yedlin in the 80th minute, received a second yellow card. This card not only drops FCC to 10 points with games remaining, but also means they will miss next week's Hell is Real derby. I hope Yedlin's injuries are minor.
Interestingly, FCC handled Orlando's offense much better when the team was down to 10 players than when playing alone.
The way FCC played was inexcusable, but it still meant a lot, especially that they were able to pick up the three points on their own for 60 minutes. And with the arrival of the Columbus Crew, the FCC will need to feel confident.
match 11– Orlando City SC vs. FC Cincinnati
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
result: FC Cincinnati 1, Orlando City 0
box score
FC Cincinnati starting lineup:
Roman Celentano, Luca Orellano (Yamil Assad 87 minutes), Ian Murphy, Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson, DeAndre Yedlin (Brett Halsey 55 minutes), Pavel Bucha, Obinna Nwobodo, Luciano Acosta (C) (Gerardo Valenzuela 62 minutes), Yuya Kubo (Albus Powell 80 minutes), Corey Baird (Kevin Kelsey 62 minutes)
Substitutes not used: Alec Cann, Nick Haglund, Kip Keller, Malik Pinto
CF Montreal starting lineup:
Pedro Gallese, Rafael Santos (Nicolas Lodeiro 52 minutes), Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Dagur Thorharsson (Michael Halliday 45 minutes +4), Wilder Cartagena, Cesar Araujo, Iván Angulo, Facundo Torres (C) (Luis Muriel 70 minutes), Martin Ojeda (David Brecaro 28 minutes), Duncan McGuire
Substitutes not used: Mason Stajdoujar, Felipe Martins, Giorgio Kocevski, Jacques Linn, Kyle Smith.
Discipline:
ORL – Rodrigo Schlegel (red card) 23 minutes
ORL – Cesar Araujo (yellow card) 30 minutes
CIN – Brett Halsey (yellow card) 56'
ORL – Wilder Cartagena (yellow card) 62'
ORL – Robin Jansson (yellow card 65 minutes)
CIN – Ian Murphy (yellow card) 66'
CIN – Brett Halsey (second yellow, red card) 78'
CIN – Gerardo Valenzuela (yellow card) 90'
ORL – Michael Halliday (yellow card) 90'+1
next:
At Columbus Crew, Saturday, May 11th, 7:45 p.m., Lower.com Field (Columbus, Ohio)
