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MLS FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati Battle Back in Second Half to Earn Road Draw with Philadelphia Union

September 16, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release


The Orange and Blue stole a rare result from Philadelphia Union, scoring twice in the second half to erase a 2-0 deficit and earn a 2-2 draw. It was just the fourth time an opponent had come into Subaru Park this season to earn points.

Brandon Vazquez and Aaron Boupendza earned goals for FC Cincinnati. Yuya Kubo also etched his name into the score sheet with an assist.

The result improves FC Cincinnati's road record to 5-3-6, and the draw gives FC Cincinnati 58 points on the season, depending on how other results finish, could have as large as an 8-point lead on the Supporters' Shield.

Vazquez with late heroics

In the 75th minute, FC Cincinnati found another moment of road magic when earning the equalizer from Vazquez. It was the second time in as many road matches that FCC had found an equalizer in the 75th or later minute.

Vazquez was able to time a run to meet a curling ground cross from the left side from Boupendza and chipped the keeper with just enough force to cross the line.

The goal was Vazquez's sixth of the season in MLS play and proved the difference maker.

Instant impact from Boupendza

After rejoining the team just hours earlier after his service with the Gabon national team, the striker had an instant impact, scoring just four minutes after being subbed on and bringing the score to 2-1 with 41 minutes remaining in the half. Breathing life into the game.

Yuya Kubo earned the assist with a brilliant run and a well-placed pass. Once sprung up the left wing, Kubo and Boupendza outran the final two defenders, beating the goalkeeper on a cross and tap-in finish.

Boupendza and Kubo almost connected for an equalizer just one minute later, as Boupendza headed a deflected shot past Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake, but it was deemed he was offside.

Hosts get on the board first and double the lead with a penalty.

After a series of testy interactions in the opening 20 minutes of the match that saw three yellow cards shown, Philadelphia Union got on the board first with a blast from outside the box. Jose Martinez received the centering pass from the far sideline, took a touch and fired it past a diving Roman Celentano, whose outstretched hands could not impede the goal.

Ten minutes later, Celentano received a yellow card on a challenge made on a breakaway from The Union, and the official pointed to the spot for a penalty kick.

Daniel Gazdag broke away unmarked and drew the foul, then was rewarded as he cashed the penalty kick. Celentano dove the correct way, but the pace of the shot was too quick to stop.

It was all yellow.

The first half of the match was defined by physicality from both teams, with a total of 24 called before the first 45 minutes had finished. In addition to the fouls, seven yellow cards were issued, with four going to FCC players and three to Philadelphia Union.

Check out the FC Cincinnati Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from September 16, 2023


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