MLS FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati Fall for the First Time at Home 1-0 in Choppy Match with Orlando City SC

Published on September 2, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release


In the fifth match of a grueling 15-day stretch, Supporters' Shield leading FC Cincinnati could not find the needed magic to secure one last comeback, falling for the first time at TQL Stadium 1-0 to Orlando City SC on Saturday night.

The visitors scored in the final moments of the first half then spent the entire second half on the defensive, stymieing the FCC offense and slowing down play to earn the victory.

It was just the fourth time all season FC Cincinnati (17-4-6, 57 pts.) had been kept off the score sheet, and the second time against Orlando after a nil-nil draw on March 4 in Florida.

With the loss, FC Cincinnati's undefeated home record (12-1-1) comes to an end.

The Orange and Blue will not play again until September 16 when they travel to take on Philadelphia Union.

Choppy tempo leads to visitors with the advantage

The first half of the match was eventful, but it was not until late that Orlando City SC was able to break the monotony and add to the scoresheet. In the 44th minute Facundo Torres received an unlikely centering pass he cashed from close range, making it a 1-0 game for the visitors.

Plagued by stoppages throughout the half, both clubs were left out of rhythm. Until the goal was scored, neither team was able to generate more than 0.4xG on the half.

In all, the match was stopped four times in the first half to evaluate injuries with training staff entering the pitch, with two more events checked for potential VAR review, though neither time did the official go to the monitor.

Acosta booked

Needing only one more completed match to earn a good behavior incentive and reduce his current yellow card accumulation, Luciano Acosta was booked for a yellow card in the 44th minute for a bad foul. Had he made it through the match without being shown yellow, Acosta's count would have been reduced to three, meaning he could receive two more cards before suspension.

The foul is his fifth in the count for a yellow card accumulation suspension, meaning he will be suspended for The Orange and Blue's next fixture on September 16 at Philadelphia Union. Acosta had not yet been suspended for yellow card accumulation this season, and had received a good behavior incentive once already this year for going five matches without a card.

Mosquera, Boupendza make their return

At half time, FC Cincinnati defender Yerson Mosquera was subbed on for Ian Murphy. Mosquera had missed four matches for FC Cincinnati after picking up a knock in training during the break after being eliminated from Leagues Cup. The defender made a key play in the early parts of the half, tracking back nearly half a field's length to break up a scoring chance.

Eleven minutes later, Aaron Boupendza was brought in for Sergio Santos. Boupendza was not available for FCC in their midweek game match with Atlanta United FC after an injury in the match with NYCFC on August 26 left him questionable.

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