FC Cincinnati continue to gather firsts, this time winning after conceding the first goal at home for the first time in club history, earning a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night at TQL Stadium.
In a dramatic affair that saw eight yellow cards, two red cards, two VAR decisions, and three unanswered goals from the hosts, FC Cincinnati earned three points at home and improved their record to 15-2-6 (51 points), their unbeaten home record to 11-0-1, and maintained an eight-point lead in the Supporters’ Shield table over New England Revolution.
Santiago Arias was named Man of the Match for his game-winning goal, with Luciano Acosta adding a goal and an assist, and Aaron Boupendza scoring in his debut for the third goal of the evening.
Second Time's The Charm
It took a few tries, but FC Cincinnati and MLS All-Star captain Acosta earned his 12thgoal of the season, converting a penalty kick in the 42nd minute and equalizing the score 1-1. After an Álvaro Barreal cross was batted down with Nashville SC midfielder Alex Muyl’s hand, Acosta scored his second penalty kick goal in as many games and his fifth goal in seven games.
The converted PK came a half hour after Acosta’s first apparent goal was waived off, where the midfielder dispossessed NSC captain Walker Zimmerman and chipped the goalkeeper for an apparent early lead. VAR eventually deemed that Acosta had fouled Zimmerman in the build-up, so the goal was disallowed.
The Orange and Blue go up two men
FC Cincinnati played the final 20 minutes of the match up two men as Nashville SC saw two players receive their second yellow cards in two minutes.
Taylor Washington was the first to be sent off, getting his second yellow card of the evening in the 68th minute, his first coming in the 37th minute of the match. Fafà Picault was the next to go, getting his second yellow in the 70th minute, just eight minutes after receiving his first in the 62nd minute for his role in a dust-up with FCC defender Matt Miazga.
It was the first time all season that FC Cincinnati had played a man up and the third time in club history they’ve played up two men. However, on each previous occasion, the second sending-off occurred in the 90th minute or later.
Arias Delivers
With the two-person advantage secured, the pressure was on to earn the winning goal. But it wouldn’t take long as Arias secured the game-winner on a shot just over the charging goalkeeper’s head after an excellent placed through ball from Acosta sprung Arias, giving him an open look on goal. The goal came in the 74th minute, just four minutes after taking the advantage.
The goal was Arias’ second of the season and Acosta’s eighth assist of the year.
Boupendza scores in his debut
Newly acquired DP striker Boupendza scored in his debut for The Orange and Blue, giving them the final notch to lift them to victory. After being subbed on for Sergio Santos in the 75th minute, the Gabon native had an instant impact getting two shots on target and controlling play up top before finally scoring in the match's final moments to secure the victory, being assisted by Brandon Vazquez.
