When:

Where: Nippert Stadium, on the campus of the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Opponent: Lewisville City FC

Lewisville City (2-1-0) somehow have 6 points and by virtue of a complete fluke sit 4th in the Eastern Conference. No modern science can explain this.

Club Background

The club was formed when a minor league baseball team found itself with surplus players due the fact that its management was not so good at “countin'”. Those players eventually started kicking a baseball around the outfield to ward off boredom and the franchise was born.

Formation and Tactics

Lewisville will set up in its traditional 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 formation. Coach O’Reilly likes to set the team up in a straight line and alternate between chorus-line style kicking and wriggling like a snake. “The contrast in tactics disorients our opponents, and then when they are at their weakest, we strike. I feel like we are on the cutting edge of baseball…I mean soccer, tactics.”

Danger Men

This year’s Lewisville team has lost some key players but they still have plenty of talent that can cause FC Cincinnati problems.

Kernel Sandersinho

It’s true that first baseman Sandersinho is a little long in the tooth but everyone knows he’s still got goals in him. Fueled by mashed potatoes and peanut oil, he can be a slippery customer to deal with. In an interview this week he said that beating FC Cincinnati is one of the last things on his “bucket” list before he retires.

Ruud Mullet

Dutch born catcher Ruud Mullet serves as a classic midfield enforcer. His tough tackling style on the field is as identifiable as his signature “business in the front, party in the back” hairstyle. When asked about compatriot Nigel de Jong’s recent bad tackle and 10 game suspension he commented. “Playing football is like hunting wild game back in Holland. When you come across a roe deer you can’t be intimidated or back down. You look it right in the eye, ….. that’s where the game is won. Besides, Nigel’s gonna Nigel.”

Both players commented that it will be disappointing not to play on a baseball field this week.

River Cities Cup

This game marks the first match in the two leg River Cities Cup Challenge. The winner over the course of two matches will be able to claim that it is the best river city. Recently, Lewisville City’s PR director Danielle Boone was asked “Which town is the best river city?” Ms. Boone responded convincingly. “Clearly, Lewisville is the best river city. We are downstream from Cincinnati so clearly all the richest minerals from Cincinnati and every upstream town come floating our way. It can produce some interesting smells but the Department of Health is looking into that and I’m sure it will be resolved soon.”

What to Expect From FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati is riding the high of a second consecutive victory and an impressive debut in front of their home fans. Expect them to come out of the gates fast with a lot of energy and confidence. They can expect a stern test from a team with all of the horses in Kentucky on their side. Lewisville fans are expected to come up to see the game in herds. Special accommodations are being made in section 107 where the Lewisville city supporters will sit. There will be troughs, bales of hay and special wide access restrooms to ensure the visiting guests are comfortable during the match.

What would be a good result?

FC Cincinnati should be able to exploit the wide areas of Lewisville’s 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 formation. Expect McLaughlin, Wiedeman and the full backs to be heavily involved in the attack and produce at least 2 goals. Taller FC Cincinnati players will have to be especially cautious of the high kicks associated with Lewisville’s chorus line tactics. But FCC’s younger faster back line should be able to shut down the aging Sandersinho. Rumor has it that John Harkes has also registered as a player/coach and could come off the bench if the game is tight. That shouldn’t be necessary though. Look for a 4-0 FC Cincinnati win, and a finger lickin’ good time at Nippert on Saturday.

The post FC Cincinnati vs Lewisville City FC – Simple Man’s Preview appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Miller

Matchday #36 – USL Eastern Conference Semifinal Round – FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls II
Nippert Stadium – Attendance: 16,617

Result: New York Red Bulls 1, FC Cincinnati 0

FC Cincinnati’s unbeaten streak is over — and so is the club’s time in the USL.

New York Red Bulls II forward Amando Moreno scored on a 12th minute counter-attack to send FCC crashing out of the USL Cup with a 1-0 victory in the Eastern Conference semifinal round Saturday at Nippert Stadium. The loss stops the club’s 24-match unbeaten streak — five months and a day after it began with a road win at New York — and the franchise’s three-year stay in the USL.

“It’s a difficult pill to swallow right now,” FC Cincinnati coach Alan Koch said. “The guys are very disappointed. But at the same time you really have to look at the positives. This has been a historic season. I know people use the word ‘historic’ quite casually in speech. … This undefeated streak, the consecutive victories, the ability to bring a trophy to our city, to the club — there’s been clubs around the world that have been in existence for decades and they haven’t brought a trophy back to their city before. So for us to do that in our third year by winning the league (regular season) championship, I’m very, very proud of that.”

Said centerback and captain Paddy Barrett: “We’re all mature enough to keep our heads up, because of what we’ve done this year — to be part of this group.”

New York advances to play the Louisville-Bethlehem winner in the Eastern Conference finals next weekend. FC Cincinnati, the overall No. 1 seed, has a different future — preparing to enter MLS in just over four months as an expansion club.

Koch said he’ll have a team meeting on Monday to break down the logistics of the coming weeks and then let the players know individually where they stand as soon as the technical staff makes those decisions.

In the match’s opening minutes, Emmanuel Ledesma lined up a long-range free kick intended for Fanendo Adi. Ledesma missed his mark, and Moreno was off to the races against FC Cincinnati’s back line. Moreno weaved past Justin Hoyte and fired from 20 yards out, hitting the left corner of the net.

“That was just sheer transition,” Koch said. “They’re very, very good at transition. We knew that beforehand.”

FC Cincinnati struggled to get much going in the first half with just one shot and a 62.2 percent pass completion rate on 164 passes.

The Orange and Blue had more chances in the second half. Adi gave the club its first shot on goal in the 50th minute, and Corben Bone hit the crossbar in the 67th minute.

“I thought we were better in the second half,” Koch said. “We took it to them. The game is about managing moments, of course. We’ve done a fantastic job this year of managing moments, but obviously we were at the wrong end of managing one individual moment.”

FC Cincinnati had trouble at times getting the ball up top to Adi. The club’s striker had 44 touches and just the one shot. New York played with a disruptive style, Adi said.

“I think it was a very complicated game,” he said. “They came in a very disruptive way. That’s the way they wanted to play, to go to the referee for every little thing — five or six players out there. It’s one of those games — you can’t really do much. We had very few chances and we couldn’t take them.”

New York had six shots on target compared to FC Cincinnati’s three.

Box Score

FC Cincinnati Starting XI (4-4-2): Spencer Richey (GK), Paddy Barrett, Justin Hoyte, Forrest Lasso, Blake Smith, Emmanuel Ledesma, Nazmi Albadawi, Corben Bone, Tyler Gibson, Fatai Alashe, Fanendo Adi
Subs: Evan Newton, Dekel Keinan, Kenney Walker (61′, Gibson), Jimmy McLaughlin (79′, Albadawi), Emery Welshman (86′, Smith), Richie Ryan, Matt Bahner

New York Red Bulls II Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Evan Louro (GK), Allen Yanes, Hassan Ndam, Kevin Politz, Ethan Kutler, Jose Aguinaga, Andrew Tinari, Jared Stroud, Christopher Lema, Amando Moreno (Goal, 12′), Tom Barlow
Subs: Jordan Scarlett (86′, Aguinaga), Steven Echeverria, Lucas Stauffer (90+3′, Stroud), Scott Levene, Anatole Bertrand-Abang (74′, Moreno), Niko De Vera, Andrew Lombard

Scoring:
NYRBII — Amando Moreno 12′

The post Red Bulls II Kick FC Cincinnati Out of Playoffs appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Miller

Matchday #35 – USL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals – FC Cincinnati vs. Nashville SC

Nippert Stadium – Attendance: 20,217
Result: FC Cincinnati 1, Nashville SC 1 (6-5 in penalty kicks)

It was only fitting that after three regular-season draws, Saturday’s USL Eastern Conference Quarterfinal match between FC Cincinnati and Nashville SC came down to what’s basically a lottery draw.

As extra time turned into penalty kicks at Nippert Stadium, the wind started swirling, knocking the ball off the spot and taking the drama to new heights. FC Cincinnati prevailed in sudden death when Kenney Walker converted the club’s sixth penalty kick after Nashville’s Justin Davis missed.

Though the result was technically a 1-1 draw, FC Cincinnati advances for the first time in the USL Cup and awaits New York Red Bulls II in the semifinals next week at Nippert.

“It doesn’t matter if you win 90 minutes, 120 minutes, penalty kicks, six-penalty shootout as long as you win,” FCC coach Alan Koch said.

Davis sent his shot over goal, and a few FC Cincinnati players went streaking toward goalkeeper Spencer Richey in a premature celebration.

“That could have been a disaster,” Richey said. “I was aware that we needed to score the next one. But it was a good practice run for them.”

Said Koch: “I was like, ‘What are they doing?’ I’m not a mathematician, but I can count. It was a lot of pressure on Kenney anyways, but Jimmy (McLaughlin) actually went and apologized to him. He’s like, ‘I’m sorry, I just wanted to celebrate.’”

Walker still had to convert his penalty to seal the semifinal berth. And convert he did, slotting it in the right side past Nashville keeper Matt Pickens.

#FCCINCY WINS & ADVANCES!!! #OurCityOurCup pic.twitter.com/7wBFYQEhhW

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) October 20, 2018

Koch said he chose the first five penalty shooters, and after that it was up to the players to decide.

“We were talking about it,” Walker said. “We were throwing numbers around, and everyone’s like — you’re going sixth.”

It was a bit of redemption for Walker, who missed the first penalty in the U.S. Open Cup shootout against Minnesota United.

“It was a little added pressure, but at the same time, you’ve got to go out and score,” he said. “Either you pick your spot and put it there and he saves it, or you beat him to your spot. That’s as simple as you can put it. There’s still pressure on it.”

This was the fourth meeting this season between the two MLS expansion sides. The three previous ended in draws, including a 3-3 tie just seven days prior in Nashville.

“Obviously things are fresh in your mind,” Koch said. “But they changed the way they played a little bit, and we changed the way we played a little bit too.”

FC Cincinnati dominated possession in the first half with 67.5 percent of time on the ball. Fanendo Adi and Emmanuel Ledesma had first-half chances, but it wasn’t until the 57th minute that FCC had its first shot on goal on a Corben Bone attempt from long distance.

Ropapa Mensah gave Nashville plenty of chances with seven shots, including three on target. In the 74th minute, he bounced one off the crossbar and later had a shot go over goal.

Bone opened the scoring in the 95th minute on a 20-yard shot to give FC Cincinnati a 1-0 lead.

.@CorbenBone with the go-ahead goal! @yennek_reklaw with the setup. #CINvNSH | #OurCityOurCup pic.twitter.com/cL0LfCyGDW

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) October 20, 2018

It was a big boost for the Orange and Blue, but there was still time left.

“I don’t think any game is won until the final whistle blows,” Koch said. “Because anything can happen.”

What happened was a Nashville equalizer. Bradley Bourgeois lofted one over Richey in the 115th minute to level the match at 1-1 and making penalty kicks a looming possibility.

“It’s a bit of a no-pressure situation in a way for goalkeepers,” Richey said. “You’re not necessarily expected to save a penalty — maybe expected to keep one of five out. But neither of us could do that. They were pretty impressive penalties.”

Koch labeled Walker’s situation — sink it and you win — as one of bravery.

“Kenney’s technique is first class,” Koch said. “That’s not just this week. We’ve worked with Kenney for a long, long time. You can see he’s a very composed player when he’s in possession of the ball in the open game. And he’s the exact same way when he takes a penalty kick. But to have the bravery, that’s not easy.”

Box Score

FC Cincinnati Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Spencer Richey (GK), Paddy Barrett, Justin Hoyte, Forrest Lasso, Blake Smith, Emmanuel Ledesma, Nazmi Albadawi, Corben Bone (Goal 95′), Tyler Gibson, Fatai Alashe, Fanendo Adi
Subs: Evan Newton, Dekel Keinan, Kenney Walker (68′, Alashe), Jimmy McLaughlin (85′, Albadawi), Emery Welshman (120+1′, Ledesma), Richie Ryan (100′, Gibson), Matt Bahner

Nashville SC Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Matt Pickens (GK), Liam Doyle, Kosuke Kimura, Bradley Bourgeois (Goal 115′), Taylor Washington, Justin Davis, Alan Winn, Ropapa Mensah, Boluwatife Akinyode, Tucker Hume, Matt LaGrassa
Subs: Ramone Howell (110′, Akinyode), Kris Tyrpak (105′, Washington), London Woodberry, C.J. Cochran, Ismaila Jome (98′ Kimura), Brandon Allen (74′, Hume), Ryan James

Scoring:
CIN — Corben Bone 95′
NASH — Bradley Bourgeois 115′

Penalties summary
NASH — Liam Doyle (good)
CIN — Fanendo Adi (good)
NASH — Brandon Allen (good)
CIN — Jimmy McLaughlin (good)
NASH — Alan Winn (good)
CIN — Blake Smith (good)
NASH — Matt LaGrassa (good)
CIN — Justin Hoyte (good)
NASH — Kris Tyrpak (good)
CIN — Forrest Lasso (good)
NASH — Justin Davis (missed)
CIN — Kenney Walker (good)

Next USL Cup Match: Semifinals vs. Charleston Battery or New York Red Bulls II — Saturday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m., Nippert Stadium

The post Walker Sends FC Cincinnati Into Semifinals appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

First Tennessee Park – Nashville, TN
Result: FC Cincinnati: 3 – Nashville SC: 3

FC Cincinnati set a new USL record with their 23rd consecutive match without a loss after a 3-3 draw against host Nashville SC Saturday night.

The Regular Season finale featured two teams that punched their tickets to the USL playoffs coming into the evening. While FC Cincinnati claimed the top spot in the East a couple weeks ago, Nashville clinched their spot with Ottawa’s loss to the Charleston Battery Saturday afternoon.

Both teams ran out strong Starting XI’s with Fanendo Adi leading FC Cincinnati up top. It was also a notable night as Corben Bone notched his 100th appearance as a member of the club.

While FC Cincinnati was the first team to get on the board early a few months ago in the match at Nippert, tonight Tucker Hume struck in the 5th minute for Nashville. Paddy Barrett was unable to clear a ball at the top of the box allowing Nashville forward Alan Winn to get down the left flank. Winn’s perfectly weighted cross found the head of Hume who outjumped Forrest Lasso and put the ball inside the left post for the goal.

.@tuckerhume means business!@NashvilleSC flies into the lead at home.#NSHvCIN pic.twitter.com/N63ul298b7

— USL (@USL) October 14, 2018

Down early in the match, FC Cincinnati resorted to several unsuccessful long balls to Fanendo Adi up top but the squad seemed to find their footing as the 1st half rolled on. Key to that success was Justin Hoyte. For most of the first half, the right-back had his way up the right flank creating several dangerous chances into the box.

One of those chances came in the 35th minute where Matt Pickens came up big for Nashville. Emmanuel Ledesma hit a curling shot that looked destined to go into the left corner of the goal but it was Pickens who was able to tip the ball just wide denying FC Cincinnati of their opening goal.

FC Cincinnati continued to control the first half with 70% of the possession but they were lucky to not be down 2 just before the half-time whistle. Alan Winn looked to have a half chance inside the box but was grazed by Blake Smith causing Winn to lose his footing. Nashville players screamed for a call but Winn fell easily and the center judge deemed it a not a foul.

The Orange & Blue built upon the momentum in the second half and several key players for the away side proved to be the difference. Corben Bone landed the equalizer in the 52nd minute after several chances. The play started as Tyler Gibson drove up the left sideline and hit a long pass to Ledesma who one-touched it to a streaking Bone. Bone calmly slid the shot past Matt Pickens for his 10th goal of the season. That goal gave FC Cincinnati their 4th player with 10 or more goals in a season becoming the first club in USL history to achieve that feat.

In the 63rd minute, FC Cincinnati pulled ahead on another near olympico by Ledesma. Pickens tried to tip Ledesma’s shot over the bar but the ball landed at the forehead of Nazmi Albadawi on the goalline who calmly headed it into the back of the net.

.@NazmiAlbadawi puts #FCCincy ahead!

NSH 1 | CIN 2#NSHvCIN | #JoinTheMarch pic.twitter.com/Re9CG7hqOU

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) October 14, 2018

FC Cincinnati seemed to be in control until a crazy 10 minutes to conclude the match. In the 80th minute, Ropapa Mensah did a great job to keep the ball in play on the right touchline and crossed it into Nashville’s substitute forward Brandon Allen. Allen had a great touch between the two FCC centerbacks and into the goal.

Right from the ensuing kickoff, FC Cincinnati took the ball right down the pitch where Corben Bone caught the Nashville defense sleeping. The midfielder avoided several defenders on the left side of the field and hit a cracker just inside the right post to give FCC the lead.

.@CorbenBone finds the back of the net for his 11th of the season to put #FCCincy back in the lead!

NSH 2 | CIN 3#NSHvCIN | #JoinTheMarch pic.twitter.com/xk4lYbj1iz

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) October 14, 2018

The 3 points were not to be as Nashville escaped with a late point behind a Bolu Akinyode goal. Nashville had several chances in the 90th minute that were blocked by FC Cincinnati’s defense. Unfortunately, the defense was unable to clear the ball and the young Nigerian one-timed the ball into the upper right corner of the goal to earn a point.

Neither team was able to notch a winner in extra time and the match ended 3-3 with goals from Bone (2), Albadawi, Hume, Allen, and Akinyode.

FC Cincinnati’s next match will occur next Saturday, Oct. 20 for the first round of the USL Playoffs. The Orange & Blue will hold the #1 overall seed and would host every match they qualify for.

3 Thoughts

Coming Together: Even though FC Cincinnati finished a 34 match regular season at the top of the table, the front four of Adi, Ledesma, Bone, and Albadawi is still figuring each other out. The first 20 minutes of the match, the offense was stagnant and resorted to long balls to stretch out the Nashville defense. After being largely ineffective they were able to get some traction up the right side of the pitch with service from Justin Hoyte. The key though was Coach Alan Koch’s halftime adjustment to get Ledesma more central in the lineup. His ability to pull defenders gave Bone the space he needed to record a brace. There are times you can still see they haven’t played much together but if the front 4 can figure themselves out, then they might be collecting more silverware in 4 weeks.

Playoff Scenario’s: With the results at the end of Saturday night, FC Cincinnati can face either Bethlehem Steel FC (47 pts/ 33 played), Nashville SC (49 pts/ 34 played), or New York Red Bulls 2, or North Carolina FC. Bethlehem and New York both have matches Sunday afternoon when wins would see them avoid FC Cincinnati. Here are the scenario’s to determine FC Cincinnati opponent next Saturday:

• Bethlehem- loss or draw (Need 50 points to avoid FCC)
• New York Red Bulls 2- loss & Bethlehem win
• Nashville SC- NYRB2 win or draw & Bethlehem win
• North Carolina FC- Bethlehem lose by 4 and win Goal Differential tiebreaker

That’s It: It’s hard to believe that after three short seasons, this was FC Cincinnati’s last USL regular season match. There have been a lot of great memories from the Dirty River Derby’s to the Travelling Bailey and so on and so on. The USL gave FC Cincinnati the chance to show that we were ready for Division 1 soccer in this country and Coach Alan Koch and General Manager Jeff Berding took full advantage of it. We are all going to miss our rivalry with Louisville, close away matches, and the other intricacies of the league and we at Cincinnati Soccer Talk want to take the opportunity to thank all those involved in the building of our club. We are excited to see what lies ahead but it is important to not forget our roots and remember what got us to the point where Major League Soccer decided they wanted to invite us into their fold.

FC Cincinnati Starting XI: Spencer Richey (GK), Blake Smith, Paddy Barrett, Forrest Lasso, Justin Hoyte; Tyler Gibson, Michael Lahoud (74′); Corben Bone, Nazmi Albadawi (76′), Emmanuel Ledesma; Fanendo Adi (74′)

Subs: Evan Newton (GK), Fatai Alashe, Matt Bahner, Dekel Keinan, Danni Konig (74′), Jimmy McLaughlin (76′), Richie Ryan (74′)

Nashville SC Starting XI: Matt Pickens (GK), Taylor Washington, Liam Doyle, Bradley Bourgeois, Ryan James; Michael Reed (21′), Matt LaGrassa, Bolu Akinyode; Alan Winn(73′), Tucker Hume (64′), Ropapa Mensah

Subs: CJ Cochran (GK), Justin Davis, London Woodberry, Ish Jome, Ramone Howell (73′), Kris Tyrpak (21′), Brandon Allen (64′)

Next Up:

USL Playoffs: First Round- FC Cincinnati vs. TBD- 8th Place Eastern Conference – Oct. 20 – 4:00 p.m. EST – Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.

@bradleysweigel for @CincySoccerTalk

Tune into the latest Cincinnati Soccer Talk podcasts on MONDAY nights at 9 p.m. and look for our new podcast on your favorite podcast network each week!

The post FC Cincinnati Sets Multiple Records in Draw Saturday Night appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

FC Cincinnati headed into the Saturday night match against Pittsburgh still at the top of the table. Riding a 21-match unbeaten streak and 10 wins in a row, the Orange and Blue were looking to secure another win. A win or a draw would ensure FCC’s record against Pittsburgh would never have included a loss; it would also ensure FCC beats the USL record for an unbeaten streak.

Pittsburgh came out with a strong defense that kept FCC on its toes. There weren’t many chances in the first 10 minutes. By the 12th minute, Pittsburgh was awarded a corner kick that was headed over the goal. Only a couple of minutes later, Emmanuel Ledesma had a shot on goal that was blocked by Pittsburgh keeper, Dan Lynd.

Minutes later, Pittsburgh took its chance with a ball aimed straight toward the center of the net but was stopped with a quick save by Spencer Richey. Pittsburgh continued to play more offensively, attacking and trying to be the first club to get points on the board.

While FCC has been more of an attacking club throughout this season, the defensive line has been key to the unbeaten streak. Even with all of the chances Pittsburgh had, FCC’s back line was able to help put a stop to all of them.

In the 34th minute, after some fancy footwork by Corben Bone, Fatai Alashe sent a shot just wide of the net. Only a couple of minutes later, FCC’s Forrest Lasso received a yellow card, allowing Pittsburgh a dangerous free kick from just outside of the box. The scoreboard was kept clean when the shot was easily blocked.

After a Pittsburgh foul, FCC was awarded a free kick to be taken by Ledesma. The shot was short, blocked almost immediately, and FCC was unable to capitalize on the free kick opportunity. FCC had another shot inside the box, a shot from Ledesma that was blocked. Emery Welshman got his foot on it soon after, but it was blocked again by Lynd. The first half ended with a great opportunity at the foot of Jimmy McLaughlin from the right side of the pitch, the score remaining at 0-0.

The second half started with no changes on either side and Pittsburgh putting the pressure immediately on FCC’s midfield. Both clubs had a couple of opportunities but nothing that was able to amount to points on the board. Pittsburgh got a corner kick in the 57th minute that was punched away easily by Richey.

Ledesma took a shot on goal in the 59th minute, but it was a couple of feet wide. Pittsburgh had maintained pressure on FCC’s midfield throughout the majority of the match. This tactic effectively shut down the chances that Ledesma could take to score.

In the 68th minute, FCC was given a free kick with Ledesma stepping up; the ball was headed away outside of the box. Pittsburgh gained possession in a dangerous run that almost resulted in a goal. The Orange and Blue’s defense was on top of it, and Justin Hoyte cleared the shot. Ledesma took a corner kick awarded to FCC in the 74th minute, but it was too little long.

Ledesma was pulled down outside the box in the 84th minute, awarding the FCC another free kick. It went just over the box, no one on the other end of the ball. Pittsburgh got possession and ran to the box, a block by Paddy Barrett keeping the score at nil.

Four minutes of stoppage time found both clubs scrambling for a score and unable to capitalize. This match gave the Orange and Blue 22 matches in a row unbeaten, tying the best-unbeaten record in the USL.

FC Cincinnati faces Nashville SC on Oct. 13 for its last league match of the season.

3 Thoughts

Defense: Let’s be real here – the defense is the reason why FCC managed a draw; Pittsburgh outshot FCC. Even though FCC statistically had more possession, Pittsburgh shut down the midfield at every chance, and FCC wasn’t able to capitalize. Thankfully FCC has the likes of Barrett and Lasso who, once again, have proven to be a brick wall between the opponent and the net. Richey also managed another clean sheet, helping the Orange and Blue tie the USL’s best-unbeaten record at 22 matches.

Momentum: I think we can all agree that FCC’s momentum just wasn’t up to par with what we’ve seen throughout the season. However, that doesn’t seem like such a big deal when the club is still 16 points ahead of the second place club and are on such a long unbeaten streak. Pittsburgh knew FCC’S style, knew exactly how to contain Bone and Ledesma, two of the club’s strongest players. It was that confinement at the midfield that hindered chances at getting points on the board.

Unbeaten: FCC has secured a tie with the USL best-unbeaten record with a total of 22 matches. The Orange and Blue have the opportunity to beat that record next weekend against Nashville. We’ve said during the season that some draws can feel like losses, some wins can feel like losses, and so on. But this is not one of those matches. While FCC didn’t play their best, they also didn’t play their worst. We have to remember that with playoffs coming up, the club needs to make sure all of its players are rotated and rested in preparation for post-season. All in all, a draw is better than a loss, and the streak remains intact.

FC Cincinnati Starting XI: Spencer Richey (GK), Blake Smith, Paddy Barrett, Forrest Lasso, Justin Hoyte, Corben Bone, Fatai Alashe, Michael Lahoud, Jimmy McLaughlin, Emmanuel Ledesma, Emery Welshman
Subs: Evan Newton, Nazmi Albadawi (64’), Russell Cicerone (81’), Tyler Gibson (72’), Dekel Keinan, Kenney Walker

Pittsburgh Riverhounds Starting XI: Dan Lynd (GK), Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Joe Greenspan, Hugh Roberts, Jordan Dover, Ben Zemanski, Mouhamed Dabo, Romeo Parkes, Kenardo Forbes, Christiano Francois, Neco Brett
Subs: Mike Kirk, Tobi Adewole, Kay Banjo (75’), Ben Fitzpatrick, Joe Holland (75’), Ray Lee (87’), Todd Pratzner

Next Up:

FC Cincinnati vs. Nashville SC – Oct. 13 – 8:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. CST – First Tennessee Park, Nashville, Tenn.

@trishapocalypse for @CincySoccerTalk

Tune into the latest Cincinnati Soccer Talk podcasts on MONDAY nights at 9 p.m. and look for our new podcast on your favorite podcast network each week!

The post FC Cincinnati Ties USL-Best Unbeaten Record with Draw Against Pittsburgh appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Miller

Matchday #32 – FC Cincinnati vs. Indy Eleven

Nippert Stadium – Attendance: 31,478
Result: FC Cincinnati 3, Indy Eleven 0

The schedule listed FC Cincinnati hosting Indy Eleven on Saturday at Nippert Stadium. And indeed that match took place. Behind goals from Fanendo Adi, Danni Konig and an Indy own goal, FCC won its 10th straight with a 3-0 victory.

But the match was almost an undercard to the main attraction: The club’s postmatch trophy presentation after winning the USL Regular Season Championship on Wednesday at Richmond.

“We love our city — we love Cincinnati,” FC Cincinnati president and general manager Jeff Berding told the crowd before the club hoisted the trophy. “This is for you, Cincinnati. We know we’re a winning city. And from Day One, we were determined to show the USL and show this country that Cincinnati is full of winners. We’re winners!”

It’s the first trophy for the 3-year-old franchise, and it gives the club home-pitch advantage throughout the USL Cup Playoffs. A crowd of 31,478 — a new USL regular-season, single-game record — watched the match. A healthy percentage stayed to watch the celebration

After the presentation, the club took a victory lap with the trophy around Nippert, pausing at intervals to crouch down and leap up with the trophy.

Celebrating our first trophy with the best fans in the world!!

Thank you, #FCCincy supporters! pic.twitter.com/YZRYrOXAgr

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 30, 2018

In the postmatch press conference, FCC coach Alan Koch said he did get a chance to kiss the trophy — with a little help from one of his players.

“I was surprised by Forrest Lasso,” Koch said. “I don’t know how he did it, but he went down, and he pretty much hoisted me himself. But I got an opportunity to kiss the trophy. You don’t win trophies in this business every single day. So when you do, enjoy it, savor it — which we will for a few days.”

Saturday marked FC Cincinnati’s last USL regular-season home match. The club is now 23-3-6 with 75 points, has won 10 in a row and is 21 straight unbeaten since May 26. It was also the third match in eight days, including two road matches.

After winning the trophy on Wednesday, pivoting to concentrate on Indy — including the planned festivites — was only a distraction from a travel point of view, Koch said.

“It was difficult from an energy perspective,” he said. “Going and winning on Wednesday and all the energy expenditure in the game — and in the celebration too, to be honest. And then a long travel day back on Thursday. It’s difficult to find the energy to go out and do what the guys did (Saturday).

“We obviously rotated a lot, but the players that played (Saturday) were on the road too. We’d been on the road for a week, and we had that celebration (on Wednesday) too.”

Said Jimmy McLaughlin: “The thing was it was an opportunity for a lot of guys who maybe haven’t been playing in a majority of minutes. For me personally, I was stoked to play in the game. Whenever you can play in front of these fans and in this atmosphere, it’s something you really need to take advantage of and truly enjoy. I really tried to soak in the moment and enjoy the crowd and enjoy the experience and just go out there and play my game. It really wasn’t too difficult. The fans make it really easy for us to put on a show. It’s a night I’ll never forget.”

Sem de Wit and Russell Cicerone entered the starting lineup on Saturday. Kenney Walker, Nazmi Albadawi and Emmanuel Ledesma were listed as subs but didn’t hit the pitch. And Corben Bone had the night off altogether, absent from the 18-man roster.

Indy took two shots on goal in the first 20 minutes — both turned away by Evan Newton, who recorded his ninth clean sheet. Newton had five saves.

FC Cincinnati then created some of its own opportunities, finding many ways into Indy’s box. In the 28th minute, with nobody left but Indy keeper Owain Fon Williams, Jimmy McLaughlin hit the  right post. In the 32nd minute, Adi hit the frame. Then in the 34th minute, McLaughlin found Adi wide open. Adi took two touches and scored from 20 yards out.

A strike from @fanendo puts #FCCincy ahead!

CIN 1| IND 0#CINvIND pic.twitter.com/8uZa7zM33I

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 30, 2018

FCC padded its lead in the 65th minute when McLaughlin found Konig with a pass over the top. Williams came charging off his line, missed trying to clear it and Konig pushed it into an empty net.

McLaughlin’s two assists give him four for the season.

“My job is to go out there and create chances to score goals and get assists,” McLaughlin said. “To be able to do that (Saturday) is even more special on an occasion like this. It was a goal and an objective of mine.”

The scoring ended in the 74th minute when Russell Cicerone’s service into the box intended for Adi was knocked in for an own goal by Indy’s Carlyle Mitchell.

Another goal for FCC!

CIN 3 | IND 0#JoinTheMarch | #CINvIND pic.twitter.com/lryTLuun15

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 30, 2018

Box Score

FC Cincinnati Starting XI (4-4-2): Evan Newton (GK), Matt Bahner, Sem de Wit, Dekel Keinan, Pa Konate, Tyler Gibson, Michael Lahoud, Russell Cicerone, Jimmy McLaughlin, Danni König (goal 65′), Fanendo Adi (goal 34′)
Subs: Mark Village, Nazmi Albadawi, Tomi Ameobi (88′, Adi), Paddy Barrett, Emmanuel Ledesma, Blake Smith (53′, Konate), Kenny Walker

Indy Eleven Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Owain Fon Williams (GK), Dylan Mares, Reiner Ferreira, Nico Matern, Ayoze, Matt Watson, Carlyle Mitchell, Karl Ouimette, Kevin Venegas, Elliot Collier, Jack McInerney
Subs: Brad Ring, Eugene Starikov (66, McInerney), Ben Speas, Soony Saad (76′, Collier), Juan Guerra (79′, Matern), Brad Rusin, Ben Lungaard

Scoring:
CIN — Fanendo Adi 33′
CIN — Danni König 65′
CIN — Indy own goal, Carlyle Mitchell 74′

Next USL Match: FC Cincinnati at Pittsburgh Riverhounds – Saturday, Oct. 6 – 7 p.m. – Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh

The post FC Cincinnati Puts Away Indy in Festive Night appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Photo Credit: FC Cincinnati

Matchday #31 – FC Cincinnati at Richmond Kickers

City Stadium – Attendance: 1,519
Result: FC Cincinnati: 4 – Richmond Kickers: 1

Until tonight, FC Cincinnati had never defeated the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium. Not only did they defeat them, but they made a statement with a decisive win. A win that ended any discussion about the best team in the league.

The Orange and Blue pressed early and were almost rewarded in the first 30 seconds when Kenny Walker played a ball to Corben Bone that he quickly launched at goal. The ball looked destined for the net but went just left of frame.

In the fifth minute, Raul Gonzalez served a ball over the Cincinnati back line to Heviel Cordovés. The defense called for offside, but the flag wasn’t raised, and Cordovés got a one on one opportunity with Evan Newton that he failed to use to his advantage. The chance gave the Kickers some confidence which allowed them to assert some control over the game and slowed down the FC Cincinnati press.

The game opened up in the 16th minute when Nazmi Albadawi passed the ball to Emery Welshman who was closed down by multiple Richmond defenders. The Kickers managed to strip the ball from Welshman, but the ball popped out to Albadawi who hit his shot first time in stride buried it in the back of the net to give FC Cincinnati the early advantage.

Calm, cool, collected.

Take a look at our No. 10, @NazmiAlbadawi's, 10th finish of the season!! #RICvCIN | 0-1 | #JoinTheMarch pic.twitter.com/OiVBCo6g9N

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 26, 2018

In the 18th minute, Albadawi laid a great through ball off to Bone who almost doubled the lead for the Orange and Blue but his close-range shot glanced off the right upright and sailed out of bounds.

Spoiling a perfect evening, Richmond found another opportunity in the 32nd minute. This time Fernando launched the ball forward to Cordovés who again found himself behind the Orange and Blue defense. While the back line again asked for an offside flag, Cordovés, one v. one with Newton, made sure that he buried the ball in the net this time. With the score evened up, Cincinnati began to press with more urgency.

Only minutes later, Walker sent the ball forward to Welshman who took a shot and caught Barnes, the Richmond keeper, directly in the face. Fortunately, after a delay to check him out, Barnes was surprisingly deemed ok to continue for Richmond.

In the 40th minute, FC Cincinnati capitalized on another corner kick as Emanuel Ledesma bent the ball into the net for an Olimpico for his 15th goal of the season. Forrest Lasso was allowed to shield the keeper, who never saw it coming.

.@LedeManu18 becomes the first-ever player to score 15 goals and register 15 assists in a single @USL season! Congrats, Manu!!#RICvCIN 1-2 | #JoinTheMarch pic.twitter.com/okQ42nhKJV

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 26, 2018

Just four minutes, later, Albadawi wins the ball in the corner and passes it to Ledesma who looks up and launches the ball 25 yards into the upper far corner of the goal, past Barnes who has no chance of stopping it. With that goal, Ledesma has matched the FC Cincinnati single season record for goals joining Sean Okoli’s 2016 USL MVP season.

Look At This Goal

What a finish by @LedeManu18! #RICvCIN 1-3 | #JoinTheMarch pic.twitter.com/cKM2xQnNuQ

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 26, 2018

When play resumed in the second half, a storm had moved into Richmond and Cincinnati again found themselves playing in harsh weather. With puddles forming on the field, it was tough for either team to complete passes and find a rhythm. With a sense of deja vu, the game was suspended fourteen minutes into the second half and FCC found themselves again waiting out a storm. Fortunately, unlike Louisville, this match was able to continue after an hour delay. With sloppy field conditions and continued rain, play resumed.

In the 63rd minute, the Orange and Blue ended any hopes Richmond had of coming back when a defensive mistake gave Welshman the ball all alone. With Welshman’s pace, he darted forward and was able to stay ahead of the defenders who attempted to engage him. With a clinical finish, he put the ball in the back of the net to make it 4-1.

He's been knocking on the door all night. @Esawelsh's persistence pays off! #RICvCIN 1-4 | #JoinTheMarch pic.twitter.com/simtWyrvJu

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 27, 2018

Though significant time remained on the clock, the match was all but over. Richmond tried to create chances, and Cincinnati simply played smart and tried not to make mistakes.

After the match, the celebration started in the visitors locker room as players and staff from FC Cincinnati finally had the chance to pop the champagne bottles they’ve been dreaming of since the club was founded in 2015. After celebrating with his players, head coach Alan Koch had a few moments to reflect on the clubs achievment.

“I think it just makes our final season in the USL absolutely historic. Our club doesn’t have a long history — I think the Richmond fans were actually reminding us during the game tonight, there were passing comments about how we don’t have much history. For a club that’s so new and has only been in the USL for three years, for us to finish our final year in the USL and win the Regular-Season Championship is nothing short of remarkable. I’m incredibly proud of everybody associated with our club, and not just the people that our with us now, everybody who contributed during the course of the first three years.”

Even more impressive is just how dominant FC Cincinnati has been in 2018 who have now won 9 matches in a row and are unbeaten since May.

“I’m very, very surprised because the USL has gotten better every single year and this is the best the USL has ever been. Obviously, with the NASL folding, there are so many top players that have joined the USL this year and every team has improved significantly. I’ve been in the USL for several years now, obviously in the West with Vancouver, but now in the East with Cincinnati. The league continues to improve and this is the highest level of the USL ever. So, for us to be this successful and this dominant, I’m very, very proud of all of our staff and all of our players for achieving what we have achieved so far this year.” said Koch.

FC Cincinnati will be celebrating the Regular Season Championship with a celebration following Saturday’s upcoming match with Indy Eleven, the final USL home match for FC Cincinnati.

3 Thoughts

USL Regular Season Champions

This is the storyline that dominated this game. With three games remaining, FC Cincinnati rises to 72 points and is out of reach of ANY team in the USL. Phoenix has the highest potential but can only achieve a maximum of 71 points. A celebration is planned for this Saturday at Nippert Stadium following the match vs. Indy Eleven. FCC will receive their silverware as part of what is already been labeled as “Fan Appreciation Night.” The team is understandably feeling jubilant.

Poppin’ bottles! pic.twitter.com/sN7X7LsKl7

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 27, 2018

Defensive Concerns

Despite the result and the final score, the one concern during this game was defense. Fortunately, Richmond is one of the poorest performing offenses in the league and wasn’t able to take advantage of their opportunities. Multiple times Richmond got behind the defense with long balls. Instead of playing to the whistle, the defenders were expecting an offside flag and gave the Kickers some one on one opportunities with Newton.

What Now?

With the top position in the league wrapped up, some might say that none of the remaining games have value, but it’s important that Cincinnati doesn’t take their foot off the gas. Coasting into the playoffs would preserve the health of the players, but would ensure that the team loses their momentum. FCC only has three games remaining, against Indy, Pittsburgh, and Nashville. All three are teams who the Orange and Blue could potentially play in the post-season. It’s important to make sure that every team that Cincinnati plays believe at some level that they will lose. And similarly, FCC believes that it can beat any team it plays. It’s important that they don’t open the door and let in any doubt. The next three games set the tone for the upcoming playoffs.

Box Score

FC Cincinnati Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Evan Newton (GK), Blake Smith, Forrest Lasso, Paddy Barrett, Justin Hoyte, Fatai Alashe, Kenny Walker, Corben Bone (90+2′), Nazmi Albadawi, Emmanuel Ledesma (75′), Emery Welshman (86′)
Subs: Spencer Richey, Fanendo Adi, Dekel Keinan, Pa Konate (90+2′), Danni König (86′), Michael Lahoud, Jimmy McLaughlin (75′)

Richmond Kickers Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Brandon Barnes (GK), Shaun Russell, Evan Lee, Conor Shanosky, Brandon Eaton, Koby Osei-Wusu (52′), Oscar Umar, Luiz Fernando, Yudai Imura (59′), Raul Gonzalez (73′), Heviel Cordovés
Subs: Trevor Spangenberg, Prince Agyemang, Greg Boehme (73′), Giuseppe Gentile (59′), Fred Owusu Sekyere (52′), Brian Shriver, Austin Yearwood

Scoring:
CIN – Nazmi Albadawi 16’
RICH – Heviel Cordovés 32’
CIN – Emmanuel Ledesma 40’
CIN – Emmanuel Ledesma 44’
CIN = Emery Welshman 63′

Next USL Match: FC Cincinnati vs Indy Eleven – Saturday, September 29th – 7:30 PM (EST) – Nippert Stadium

@billwwolf for @CincySoccerTalk

The post FC Cincinnati Clinches USL Regular Season Crown appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Miller

#30- FC Cincinnati at Penn FC

Last year Cincinnati needed a late second-half stoppage time score from Jimmy McLaughlin to tie the game and walk away with a point from FNB Stadium,  the island-based facility in the middle of the Susquehanna River. This year Alan Koch’s team regrouped after a lackluster first half and, behind a pair of second-half goals from Emmanuel Ledesma and Corben Bone, walk out of Harrisburg with a 2-1 victory and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Cincinnati traveled to Harrisburg carrying an 18-game unbeaten streak into the match and looking to lock up the top seed in the East. Penn FC, still holding onto its own playoff hopes, were not going to roll over and give the game to the Orange and Blue. FC Cincinnati left its MLS signees, Fanendo Adi and Fatai Alashe, at home, but it did give Tyler Gibson his much anticipated first start in the USL after a preseason leg injury. While Matt Bahner got the start at right back, giving Justin Hoyte a much-needed rest.

The game was not well played by either team in the first half with both sides struggled to maintain possession, and much of that could be attributed to the narrow pitch and the slick conditions. However, Penn FC had the better first half, and in the 33rd minute capitalized on Cincinnati’s inability to maintain possession.  Following a sloppy foul by Cincy’s Ledesma, the Penn team sent the ensuing cross to the far side of the penalty box, where Harri Hawkins headed the ball back across the box to a wide open Paulo Júnior, who easily slotted it home providing the home team with an early lead and confidence. The rest of the half played out with neither team mounting much of an attack and the teams entered the locker rooms with the homside ahead 1-0.

The second half was a completely different story for both teams.  Penn FC seemed content on making FC Cincinnati work for the leveling score, and it was working well until Cincinnati’s Koch made his substitutions. He brought on Emery Welshman, Nazmi Albadawi and Kenney Walker in quick succession, and it immediately paid off when Welshman caused a turnover at midfield that resulted in a quick counter.  The four vs. three counter ended with Welshman launching a shot that Penn FC keeper, Sean Lewis, was able to stop. However, the rebound fell right at the feet of Ledesma, and he quickly deposited into the back of the net, knotting the game at 1-1. The goal gave the playmaker 14 goals for the year and allowed Ledesma to follow through on a Twitter promise he made to Paul, an FC Cincinnati Fan from Philadelphia, to try and score a goal.

Perfect my brother…see you Saturday!!! I hope to play and score a goal for you my friend!!!

— Emmanuel Ledesma (@LedeManu18) September 19, 2018

After the goal, the game started to open up, and it eventually bit the capital city team in the 84th minute.  Penn was putting pressure on Spencer Richey, but FCC quelled the home team and eventually created some breathing room when Bone ended up with the ball on his foot just at the top of the penalty area. He coolly sliced the ball around the Penn keeper and into the net giving the Orange and Blue the lead they were looking for.

Penn FC would not go quietly though. The home side launched into an all-out attack with its playoff lives at stake and launch five shots in the final few minutes.  The most dangerous shot was in extra time when Penn’s Richard Menjivar received a pass just inside the penalty area and beat Richey, but Forrest Lasso was there to clear the ball off the line, helping the visiting side walk away with a 2-1 victory.

.@folasso with the goal-line clearance to secure three points for #FCCincy on the road! #PENvCIN | #JoinTheMarch pic.twitter.com/hkqtLGsgbm

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 23, 2018

3 Thoughts

The Number 3
This was the third straight game Corben Bone scored the game winner. The three points locked up the top seed in the East. Another three points guarentees them the Supporters Shield for most points in the league. Finally, number three also stands for Forrest Lasso, who clear a sure goal off the line in the final moments.

Finish Strong or Rest
The team travels to Richmond midweek but then follows that with three games against some of the top defensive units in Indy 11, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and Nashville SC. The team has an opportunity to go for a point total that would be best Points per Game all-time in USL and most victories or Koch may decide to rest some of the guys for a playoff run.

How cool is this?
The entire team went over to Paul, the fan from Philadelphia, and brought him onto the pitch and took a picture with him. This team embodies the word community.

https://twitter.com/rentragreihT/status/1043678410130817024

Box Score

FC Cincinnati Starting XI: Spencer Richey (GK), Matt Bahner, Forrest Lasso, Dekel Keinan, Blake Smith, Michael Lahoud (67′), Tyler Gibson, Corben Bone (goal 84′), Jimmy McLaughlin (67′), Emmanuel Ledesma (goal 68′), Danni Konig
Subs: Evan Newton, Paddy Barrett, Kenney Walker (67′), Pa Konate, Emery Welshman, Russel Cicerone, Nazmi Albadwi (67′)

Penn FC Starting XI: Sean Lewis (GK), Harri Hawkins, Tiago Calvano(82′), Kyle Venter, Jake Bond (87′), Richard Menjivar, Dan Metzger, Calvin Rezende, Paulo Júnior (goal 33′), Aaron Dennis, Isaac Osae(72′)
Subs: Jacob Lissek, Haruna Shaibu (87′), Salvatore Barone, Miguel Jaime, Baffoe Prince (82′), Lucky Mkosana (72′), Walter Ramírez

Scoring:

PEN — Paulo Junior 33′
CIN — Emmanuel Ledesma 68′
CIN — Corben Bone 84′

Next USL Match: FC Cincinnati at Richmond Kickers– Wed. Sept. 26 – 7 p.m. – Richmond, Va.

The post FC Cincinnati Clinches First in Eastern Conference appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Photo Credit: Alex Vehr

#29- FC Cincinnati vs. Toronto FC II

Nippert Stadium – Attendance: 27,275
Result: FC Cincinnati 4, Toronto FC II 3

Toronto FC II — a team known recently for taking points from the USL Eastern Conference’s heavyweights — gave FC Cincinnati all it could handle Sunday at Nippert Stadium. But with some late heroics, FCC put some more distance between itself and the rest of the table.

On service from Emmanuel Ledesma, Corben Bone headed one home in the 88th minute, and FCC rallied to escape with a 4-3 victory and three points.

The result clinches at least a second place finish for FCC (20-3-6, 66 points) in the USL Eastern Conference and guarantees a second home playoff game, provided the Orange and Blue win the first. The magic number for FC Cincinnati claiming the Supporters Shield — and thus earning home pitch advantage throughout the playoffs — is now six points.

The Orange and Blue are 16 points clear of second-place Pittsburgh. They’ve now won seven straight and are 18 straight unbeaten. But FCC coach Alan Koch wasn’t in a mood to celebrate anything afterward.

“I might be getting old and grumpy I guess, but I’m not happy,” he said. “I wasn’t happy with our performance. I wasn’t happy with how we managed the game, collectively and individually. I think we made some horrendous decisions in the game. I don’t want to take anything away from Toronto, because I thought they played very well and I thought (Tsubasa) Endoh scored fantastic goals But we gave them opportunities, and you’ve got to manage the little moments.

“We do not need to lose a game to learn. You can learn just as much from a game by winning a game. I’m happy for the guys that we won the game, but I’m going to leave here just as disappointed as I would if we would have lost.”

Last-place Toronto (3-21-4) has been giant-killers recently with wins at Louisville and at home against Nashville. FCC had a road draw against Toronto earlier this season. Endoh sparked Toronto with a hat trick.

“Endoh is a fantastic finisher,” Koch said. “He capitalized on those moments. No disrespect to Toronto, I thought they came in and they played very well. They had a good game plan — they almost executed it — but we gave a quality player way too much space, first off. And we didn’t play the way we needed to play. Thankfully we have enough individual and collective class to go out and get a positive result, and at the end of the day that’s the most important thing.”

Bone’s game-winner was his second goal of the match and Ledesma’s third assist. Ledesma set a new USL single-season assist record and now has 15.

“We have a lot of special players on the team, and a lot of guys score goals and create assists,” Bone said. “(Ledesma) has done that this season. Credit to him — (Sunday) his assists were great. But at the end of the day, I think we all do that for the team. And he would tell you that as well. It’s great for the whole team that he’s done that. It’s a testament to what we have here.”

Birthday boy @CorbenBone takes the cake with the game winning goal!

Match Highlights #JoinTheMarch | #CINvTOR pic.twitter.com/0eVr337h4k

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 16, 2018

Bone’s brace came on his 30th birthday. He also scored on his 29th birthday last year against New York Red Bulls II.

FCC dictated play in the first half with 62 percent of possession. Toronto got into the match in the 21st minute when Noble Okello Ayo sent one just inches over Spencer Richey’s goal. Then in the 24th, Endoh sent a 26-yard rocket past Richey to give Toronto a surprise lead.

FC Cincinnati responded in the 31st minute on a free kick from Ledesma to Forrest Lasso, who headed it home to level the match at 1-1.

Fanendo Adi, making his first start at Nippert, scored in first-half stoppage time with some fancy footwork to give FCC a 2-1 lead.

The best view you’re gonna get of @fanendo’s goal.

Assist no. 14 this season for @LedeManu18!#CINvTOR | #JoinTheMarch pic.twitter.com/PZnQwH9xLg

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 16, 2018

But almost before the smoke could clear in the Bailey, Toronto responded on an Endoh equalizer.

FCC’s play became sloppy in the second half. Play, in general, turned a little physical.

Endoh completed his hat trick in the 73rd minute to give Toronto a 3-2 lead.

Bone’s first goal came in the 78th minute on a nifty exchange with Jimmy McLaughlin, a 62nd minute substitute, to make it 3-3.

A goal for the birthday boy @CorbenBone!#JoinTheMarch | #CINvTOR pic.twitter.com/qQy3psn9Im

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 16, 2018

“I’ve been around Jimmy a long time now, and I think we understand each other pretty well on the field,” Bone said. “So anytime we start moving the ball pretty quickly, I think we can create chances. On the goal, that’s basically what it was, just passing and moving and reading each other’s minds. He put the ball in a great spot, credit to him — it was an incredible pass and I had the easy part of just tapping it in, really.”

Ledesma’s service in the 88th minute provided the game-winner.

“Any time you take a back-post run, if it’s a good ball and it’s whipped in like it was, then it gives the defense trouble,” Bone said. “You could see the goalie (Caleb Patterson-Sewell) kind of hesitate and had to stay on his line, which opens up some space on a back-post run.”

Box Score

FC Cincinnati Starting XI: Spencer Richey (GK), Justin Hoyte, Forrest Lasso (goal 31′), Paddy Barrett, Blake Smith, Michael Lahoud, Kenney Walker, Corben Bone (goals 78′, 88′), Nazmi Albadawi, Emmanuel Ledesma, Fanendo Adi (goal 45+2′)
Subs: Evan Newton, Matt Bahner, Tyler Gibson (70′ Lahoud), Dekel Keinan, Danni Konig (75′ Adi), Jimmy McLaughlin (62′ Albadawi), Emery Welshman

Toronto FC II Starting XI: Caleb Patterson-Sewell (GK), Lars Eckenrode, Tim Kubel, Tsubasa Endoh (goals 24′, 45+4′, 73′), Dante Campbell, Robert Boskovic, Matthew Srbely, Malik Johnson, Terique Mohammed, Noble Okello, Shaan Hundal
Subs: Borja Angoitia, Kyle Bjornethun, Malyk Hamilton, Aidan Daniels (85′ Srbely), Jordan Faria (45′ Johnson), Jordan Perruzza (67′ Hundal)

Scoring:

TOR — Tsubasa Endoh 24′
CIN — Forrest Lasso 31′
CIN — Fanendo Adi 45+2′
TOR — Tsubasa Endoh 45+4′
TOR — Tsubasa Endoh 73′
CIN — Corben Bone 78′
CIN — Corben Bone 88′

Next USL Match: FC Cincinnati vs. Penn Islanders – Sat. Sept. 22 – 7 P.M. – Harrisburg, Pa.

The post FC Cincinnati Escapes With Win Over Toronto FC II appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Miller

The final Dirty River Derby continued Tuesday in the 38th minute after the match was postponed on Saturday because of inclement weather. The barrage of rain made for a slippery pitch and undesirable playing conditions during the weekend. Despite the conditions, Corben Bone scored in the 23rd minute, putting FC Cincinnati ahead of Louisville City FC for the first time all season.

Louisville made it apparent at the restart that it was not going to go down without a fight. Its pace set the tone for the match — quick and fighting for a possession. Louisville was awarded a free kick in the 40th minute when FCC defender Paddy Barrett was fouled outside the box. Cameron Lancaster stepped up and sent the ball just wide in what would become Louisville’s theme for the evening.

With the match resuming so close to the half, it was difficult for FCC to find its momentum. FC Cincinnati was awarded a corner kick in the 42nd minute by Emmanuel Ledesma, but it came up short. Louisville had FCC on its heels before the halftime whistle blew, dominating conditions and playing with an urgency that FC Cincinnati did not replicate.

Louisville came out on the attack with the start of the second half, but it was no match for the FCC defense. Even though Louisville ran the ball down the pitch and had plenty of shots on goal, it couldn’t capitalize. Defenders Forrest Lasso and Barrett became the wall between the ball and the net.

The midfield was the proving ground for the majority of the match. Both clubs suffered from what felt like an unusually high amount of turnovers, which could be attributed to the quality of the pitch after a weekend of rain. In the 68th minute Lancaster nearly got one in the goal but keeper Spencer Richey deflected, one of his many saves from the match.

Louisville led with shots on goal but couldn’t equalize, and none of its shots were able to hold up against the combination of Richey and the back line. Louisville had a corner kick in second-half stoppage time that could’ve changed the fate of the match, but it was too high. The final whistle blew, and FCC held onto the lead from Bone’s goal in the Saturday portion of the match.

FC Cincinnati extended its unbeaten streak to 17 matches and is now up 14 points on second-place Pittsburgh. The Orange and Blue prepare to face Toronto FC II on Sunday and potentially increase their unbeaten streak.

2 Thoughts

Pitch Imperfect – After a weekend of residual Hurricane Gordon rain that resulted in a match postponement, there’s no denying the pitch at Slugger was awful. It was even more awful than it usually is – which is saying a lot. The Saturday match was difficult because of puddles of water on the pitch. The match on Tuesday was marginally better, but the poor quality of the pitch still made for messy combinations and loss of possession. But FC Cincinnati was able to keep its defense up even in less than ideal conditions.

All About Spencer – There is no denying that Spencer Richey deserved to win Man of the Match. While the center backs had a lot of great blocks during the match, Richey held his own in the net. There was absolutely nothing getting past him. Every shot was blocked, and it was spectacular.

Box Score

Scoring:
Corben Bone – 23’

FC Cincinnati Starting XI: Spencer Richey (GK), Justin Hoyte, Forrest Lasso, Paddy Barrett, Blake Smith, Kenney Walker, Corben Bone, Nazmi Albadawi, Emmanuel Ledesma, Fatai Alashe, Emery Welshman
Subs: Evan Newton, Fanendo Adi (74’), Russell Cicerone, Tyler Gibson (68’), Dekel Keinan, Danni König, Jimmy McLaughlin (83’)

Louisville City FC Starting XI: Greg Ranjitsingh (GK), Paolo Delpiccolo, Alexis Souahy, Paco Craig, Cameron Lancaster, Niall McCabe, Ilija Ilic, Oscar Jimenez, George Davis IV, Kyle Smith, Devon Williams
Subs: Chris Hubbard, Tim Dobrolowski, PatMcMahon, Sean Totsch, Shaun Francis (63’), Richard Ballard (82’), Luke Spencer (70’)

Next Up:

FC Cincinnati vs. Toronto FC II – Sunday, September 16 – 4:30 PM (EDT) – Nippert Stadium

@trishapocalypse for @CincySoccerTalk

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The post FC Cincinnati Waves Goodbye to Louisville appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.