MLS FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati Fall 3-0 in Hell Is Real Derby in Return to MLS Play

Published on August 20, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release


FC Cincinnati fell in the return match of the Hell is Real derby by a score of 3-0 on Sunday night, dropping their MLS-leading record to 15-3-6. The Orange and Blue could not overcome two first half goals in their first match in 16 days and first league match since July 15.

With the loss, FCC was denied their first road win in the series, but still retained an eight-point lead in the Supporters' Shield standings.

In a hole early

Columbus Crew jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead at Lower.com Field and never looked back. After being turned away on a blistering shot in the ninth minute, Crew midfielder Aidan Morris was gifted a second opportunity from a similar spot in the 15th minute and rifled it past Roman Celentano's diving hands into the upper corner for the game's first goal.

Six minutes later, in an unfortunate circumstance, Álvaro Barreal's clearance attempt ricocheted off of his right arm while inside the box, giving the Crew a penalty kick that they converted to double the lead.

The early deficit comes as part of a worrying trend of late for The Orange and Blue, who have trailed in seven of their last eight matches.

Celentano keeps us in it

Despite the early goals from Columbus Crew, Celentano stood on his head to give The Orange and Blue opportunities to get back in the match. His six saves tied a season high mark for the sophomore goalkeeper.

Nwobodo carded

With the first half coming to an end, FCC midfielder Obinna Nwobodo was shown a yellow card after hitting his defender in the head while being dragged down from behind. Due to it being his seventh yellow card caution of the season, Nwobodo will serve a card accumulation suspension in FC Cincinnati's next MLS match against NYCFC on Saturday.

The yellow card drew the ire of the FC Cincinnati players and coaches, as referee Ted Unkel also showed a yellow card to FCC assistant coach Kenny Arena.

Missed connections and unlucky moments

The FC Cincinnati offense was held scoreless for the third time this season, despite multiple opportunities from attackers that just could not find the back of the net.

Aaron Boupendza was thwarted three times, with each save from Columbus Crew being more spectacular than the last. On the first opportunity, Boupendza beat the keeper, but had his shot cleared off the line by Crew defenders. Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte also made two diving saves to deny the striker.

Brandon Vazquez also had a shot on target thwarted.

The FCC offense struggled to create a number of chances due to missed connections between attacking players. Boupendza, whose start marked only his second appearance in league play, along with Vazquez and Luciano Acosta, labored in finding the final finishing moment, oftentimes sending a final pass just wide or making an extra pass when one was not needed. The relationship building is an aspect of training that Pat Noonan has highlighted as being key to future success.

Carter Chapley -

Staff Writer

Check out the FC Cincinnati Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from August 20, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central