CINCINNATI, Ohio- On Tuesday night, FC Cincinnati came back from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Club Pachuca 3-1 in its 2026 Leagues Cup opener. Cincinnati once again found itself behind on the scoreboard just as the team was beginning to play its best football.
Adrián Alcaráz opened the scoring seven minutes into the first half with a header inside the box. Pachuca looked better in the opening minutes, showing strength and skill on the left wing and forcing Gidi to work hard defensively. Although he has played right back before, he struggled at times in the position.
Matt Miazga returned to the lineup and, alongside Andrei Chirila, worked to keep Salomón Rondón in check. They succeeded despite Cincinnati being outshot 7-6 throughout the match.
FC Cincinnati captain Evander once again delivered when his team needed him, scoring the equalizer in the 18th minute. Before halftime, Pavel Bucha found the back of the net to give Cincinnati a 2-1 lead.
Pachuca created several good scoring opportunities throughout the match, but FCC goalkeeper Evan Louro showed that he has the ability to compete for the starting job, making several important saves and good decisions throughout the game.
Kenji Mboma Dem put the nail in the coffin in the 70th minute, as Pachuca struggled to keep up with FC Cincinnati’s stamina as the match progressed.
Cincinnati opened the 2026 Leagues Cup with a must-needed win, with the team’s fitness and ability to maintain its intensity ultimately making the difference. Evander once again proved to be the playmaker Cincinnati needed, delivering when it mattered most.
Enjoy some of the best photos from the match, taken by our photographer, Héctor Urcia.
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