FC Cincinnati took a major step towards advancing in the MLS Cup playoffs with a dominating 3-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls in Game One of their first-round series. The match, which took place at TQL Stadium, marked Cincinnati’s first home playoff game and they made sure to capitalize on the opportunity.
Cincinnati wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Alvaro Barreal opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a beautiful side-angle finish. Junior Moreno provided the assist on the play. Barreal’s goal brought the crowd to life and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Luciano Acosta doubled Cincinnati’s lead in the 35th minute with an impressive long-range shot that found the back of the net. A mistake from the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper led to Acosta’s opportunity, and he made no mistake in capitalizing on it.
The second half saw Cincinnati maintain their defensive solidity and see out the win without much fuss. Goalkeeper Roman Celentano had a strong performance, making five saves to earn the first postseason shutout of his career.
In the closing moments of the match, Barreal netted his second goal of the night with a fantastic volley, securing a comprehensive victory for Cincinnati.
Head coach Pat Noonan expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their ability to battle and find moments of quality. Cincinnati had faced criticism for their recent form, but they answered their critics with a strong showing in Game One.
With the win, Cincinnati is now just one victory away from advancing to the conference semifinals. A win in Game Two at Red Bull Arena on Saturday would secure their progression, while a loss would force a decisive Game Three back at TQL Stadium on November 11.
The team is aware of the challenges ahead and remains focused on finishing the series strong. Noonan emphasized the need to maintain their strong performance and not become complacent, as they have not yet completed their job.
Cincinnati’s victory also ensured that TQL Stadium will host at least one more postseason match this year, providing an electric atmosphere for the team. The fans were not left wanting for much, as Cincinnati delivered an impressive performance from start to finish.
The Red Bulls now find themselves with a mountain to climb in order to prolong their playoff run. They will need to produce a strong performance in Game Two to avoid elimination.
Overall, FC Cincinnati’s job in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs is halfway completed, and they are in a prime position to secure their spot in the conference semifinals. The team has shown resilience and quality in their performance and will look to build on their strong start in the upcoming matches.