FC Cincinnati handled the high press of D.C. United, but once again could not find the winning touch as The Orange and Blue earned their second home draw of the young MLS season, once again going nil-nil Sunday afternoon at TQL Stadium.
With rotation in the lineup, including four changes, and an injury forcing an early substitution, FCC earned an important point in the midst of a congested schedule. But the three-point standard head coach Pat Noonan set headed into the match was not met, meaning, in this case, the draw decidedly had the tone of disappointment.
After a scoreless first half that saw FC Cincinnati earn 0.7 xG to D.C. United’s 0.2, FCC were the aggressors again, but couldn’t find the final link needed to earn the game’s opening goal. By the end of the match, FCC had outchanced D.C. United to the tune of 14 shots to 11 with an xG tally of 2 for the homeside to 0.4 for the away side.
Roman Celentano collected his second clean sheet of the MLS season, making seven saves and 24 passes out of the back in the draw. He was named man of the match for his efforts.Â
The result keeps FC Cincinnati undefeated on the season in MLS play, securing points in all three matches to start the season for the second time in club history and in as many years.Â
FC Cincinnati will hit the road next as their busy early season schedule continues with another two game matchweek spanning 2,281 miles. The Orange and Blue will first travel to Monterrey, Mexico for the return leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, needing a win to advance. They will then head north to Foxborough, Massachusetts for a road game with the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. FCC will next be at home Saturday, March 23 to face New York City FC.
