FC Cincinnati got their Leagues Cup campaign off to a winning start at TQL Stadium, beating CF Monterrey 3-2 in a tight opener.
First Half
At the 30-minute mark, Luca Orellano and Dado Valenzuela kept it alive in the box, and Dado eventually got the tap out to Evander who fired a shot home to make it 1-0 in favor of FCC.
Monterrey later tied it with a Sergio Canales wacky goal, after the shot was blocked off FCC defender Matt Miazga, then bouncing off the post and in.
Head Coach Pat Noonan on the first 45: “Up until we conceded, our first half was as good as we’ve seen. I thought it was really strong considering the opponent—just disciplined, knowing who we were up against, and finding ways to play under pressure.”
Noonan reflected more on the opening half: “Up until we conceded the goal, our first half was as good as we’ve seen. Taking into account the opponent and how we played, I thought it was really strong. Just the discipline of—Ok, this is who we’re up against—and finding ways to play under pressure, I think we did a really good job of that.” He added about conceding: “We allow too much separation for such a talented player. I’ll have to look back and see, but that kind of moment is something we need to clean up.”
Second Half
FCC took a 2-1 lead around the 57-minute mark after a long video review on a Luca Orellano goal was overturned after it was called offside during play.
“We finally got that next goal, which is always important,” Noonan said. “There were good actions leading to the goals and some really strong moments, right side especially, with how we looked to get in behind.”
Pavel Bucha later fired a ball home for FCC at the 90-minute mark, which made it 3-1 FCC, but Monterrey did not go away quietly, trimming the deficit to 3-2.
Noonan addressed the late drama: “Yeah, we conceded two goals, but that speaks to just how small these moments can be. It didn’t feel like we were under stress for long stretches. But those little moments matter. That’s what we’ll have to address.” He also praised his team’s mentality: “We just beat a really strong team, so I’m not too concerned at the moment. I’m just really pleased with the win.”
FCC will face FC Juárez next in Leagues Cup action, with kickoff set for Sunday at 5:30 PM ET at TQL Stadium
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