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MLS FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati Take on RBNY Ahead of Supporters' Shield Celebration

October 4, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release


FC Cincinnati lifted the Supporters' Shield in front of their home fans Wednesday night, marking the first time The Orange and Blue raised a trophy as a Major League Soccer side as well as their first time at their home grounds of TQL Stadium.

The Orange and Blue celebrated the historic accomplishment with a sold out crowd of 25,513, the 15th sell out at TQL Stadium this season, and 14th of 16 MLS matches.

With 65 points, FCC had secured their position as top of the league with a win last Saturday night in Toronto and thus decided to rotate the lineup ahead of the final two games of the season with the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs looming large. FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan deployed a starting 11 with seven changes from the lineup used in the trophy-clinching match.

Despite a late attempt at a comeback, FC Cincinnati fell to New York Red Bulls, 2-1. Both RBNY goals came in the first 20 minutes of the match while Landon Donovan MLS MVP frontrunner and Golden Boot leader Luciano Acosta gave FCC their goal, his 16th of the season.

FC Cincinnati travel to South Beach for their next fixture, taking on Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday for their final regular season road match before returning for their home finale on MLS Decision Day 2023 against Atlanta United FC on October 21.

A trophy lifted

With the match completed, FC Cincinnati players and staff celebrated their Supporters' Shield title with an on-field celebration. Speeches were made by Noonan, Co-CEO Jeff Berding, and controlling owner and CEO Carl Lindner III. FCC captain Acosta lifted the Shield for The Orange and Blue first time in front of their home fans and FC Cincinnati took a lap of their home grounds with the trophy to celebrate with the fans.

Each FCC player had an opportunity to run with the trophy and show their home supporters their gratitude before departing from the field for the evening.

Acosta adds to his Golden Boot total

Disaster nearly struck in the 68th minute, but was quickly rectified by VAR as FC Cincinnati saw a NYRB goal quickly turn into an opportunity from the penalty spot that Acosta converted for his 16th goal of the year.

After coming on in the 58th minute, Acosta provided an immediate impact, dominating the midfield and pushing the attack forward. His hard work paid off when he sent a shot from the side of the box towards the center that struck an RBNY defender's hand. Initially waved off by referee Chris Penso, New York then took the ball the length of the field and scored.

After a quick VAR check, the goal was waived off due to a handball, and Acosta was sent to the penalty spot, where he converted his seventh penalty kick in league play. Across all competitions this season, the captain has earned 18 goals and 17 assists.

Heavily rotated

With the trophy in hand, FC Cincinnati opted to rotate the lineup and change out seven players from the lineup used Saturday.

Alec Kann made his first MLS start of the regular season in substitution of Roman Celentano. Kann had only been utilized in Cup competition this season and had not made a start since the U.S. Open Cup semi-finals. The keeper made two saves and kept The Orange and Blue in the match late.

Others to make the start in change from Saturday were Marco Angulo, Dominique Badji, Nick Hagglund, Ray Gaddis, Alvas Powell and Yuya Kubo.

Carter Chapley -

Staff Writer

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