In front of 24,749 fans at TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati broke their two-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over Nashville SC. Brenner scored his first goal of the season, while Evander buried the game-winner deep into stoppage time.
The result also clinched FCC a spot in the MLS Playoffs as they remained in second place in the Eastern Conference. Whether they gained ground on Philadelphia will be determined later tonight when the Union play Vancouver on the road; however, as I’m writing this Philly is trailing 3-0.
First Half
There was not much offense through the opening 45 minutes as both goalkeepers, Evan Louro for Cincinnati and Joe Willis for Nashville, came up with big saves to keep things level. Each team had a few more chances toward the end of the half, but neither could find the net. By halftime, FCC’s scoring drought stretched to two and a half matches.
After the game, Pat Noonan admitted the lack of finishing was frustrating, but he also pointed to the progress his group showed.
He said, “As simple as I can put it, the guys put in the work. We could have been better in certain moments, but the area where we have struggled, finishing plays, we scored two goals and probably left a couple more out there. I am happy with how they stuck with it.”
Second Half
Louro opened the half with another stellar stop, pushing a hard shot over the bar with his right hand to keep it 0-0.
The chances kept coming for Cincinnati, but finishing again was the problem. Kevin Denkey, Brenner, and Pavel Bucha all came up empty on looks that could have broken the deadlock.
Finally, in the 73rd minute, FCC got their breakthrough. Evander slipped a perfect ball to Brenner, who controlled it and finished to make it 1-0. It was his first goal in his second stint with the club.
Noonan highlighted Brenner’s growth since returning to Cincinnati. He explained, “We know the talent is there, but it has been more about his defensive work, his commitment to pressing, and putting himself in good spots. He had a really good chance in the first half, and then to be in the right spot for Evander’s ball and finish it shows the quality he brings.”
The lead did not last long. In the 83rd minute, Nashville equalized when Sam Surridge knocked in a cross to tie the game at 1-1.
But in dramatic fashion, Evander scored the dagger in the 98th minute, firing home the match-winner to give Cincinnati the 2-1 victory and secure their playoff berth.
Noonan said it was one of the most important goals the club has had at home in a while. He reflected, “Based on the moment, it is one of the more significant winners we have had here. This building has not seen enough of those lately, so hopefully it gives us some momentum. The timing and patience we showed to create it, instead of rushing, made the difference.”
Noonan also pointed to how recent training emphasis paid off in this performance. He said, “We worked on repetitions in the final third, just reminding the group they were not far off. Tonight, you saw the patience we have been asking for, not forcing shots, moving the ball, and finding better ways into the box.”
Finally, he emphasized what clinching another playoff berth means for the club. He explained, “It is not easy to do year after year. I am happy with the consistency, but it is also the expectation now. This is who we want to be, and the challenge is pushing beyond just making the playoffs.”
FCC heads west to face the LA Galaxy next Saturday, with kickoff at 10:30 p.m. ET.
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