FC Cincinnati captain Luciano Acosta has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 34, the league announced Monday. The recognition is the midfielder’s 11th time honored on the MLS Team of the Matchday this season.
On Saturday against Charlotte FC, just one day following the announcement of his contract extension through 2026 – with an option for 2027 – Acosta had his MLS-best ninth game this season of multiple goal contributions. Acosta’s goal and assist powered the Orange and Blue to a 3-0 win over the visitors.
With FC Cincinnati up 1-0 in the 50th minute, Acosta picked up his 12th assist of the season when he held off his defender and found Aaron Boupendza in the center of the box to double FCC’s lead.
In the 78th minute, Acosta made individual magic happen with his 15th goal of the season, tied for the most in MLS. Taking possession near the midfield line, he powered down the field in a superb solo effort, beating three defenders in the process, and scoring past Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
The Argentine’s 27 goal contributions lead all MLS players this season, and his six games with at least one goal and one assist rank first in the league.
Acosta’s spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday marks the 38th recognition of an FC Cincinnati player or coach on the weekly team this season. A full list of 2023 FC Cincinnati matchday honors:
2023 FC Cincinnati MLS Team of the Matchday Player Recognitions
- Obinna Nwobodo (Matchday 1, 3, 13-Bench, 25)
- Brenner (3-Bench)
- Junior Moreno (4)
- Matt Miazga (5-Bench, 7, 15-Bench)
- Brandon Vazquez (5-Bench)
- Yerson Mosquera (6, 10)
- Álvaro Barreal (6-Bench, 9, 11-Bench, 16, 24-Bench, 29, 33)
- Sergio Santos (9-Bench)
- Luciano Acosta (11-Bench, 13, 14, 16-Bench, 17-Bench, 20, 24, 26, 28, 29, 34)
- Roman Celentano (14-Bench, 20, 28-Bench)
- Dominique Badji (22)
- Santiago Arias (26-Bench)
- Aaron Boupendza (32)
2023 FC Cincinnati MLS Coach of the Matchday Recognitions
- Pat Noonan (29)
The full team for Matchday 34 is listed below.
2023 MLS Team of the Matchday presented by Audi (Matchday 34)
F: Xande Silva (ATL), Christian Benteke (DC), Andres Jasson (NYC)
M: Thiago Almada (ATL), Njabulo Blom (STL), Luciano Acosta (CIN), Omir Fernandez (RBNY)
D: John Tolkin (RBNY), Justen Glad (RSL), Jake Davis (SKC)
GK: Pedro Gallese (ORL)
Coach: Peter Vermes (SKC)
Bench: Tim Melia (SKC), Carlos Akapo (SJ), Jesús Bueno (PHI), David Ruíz (MIA), Carles Gil (NE), Brian Gutiérrez (CHI), Santiago Moreno (POR), Michael Barrios (LA), Talles Magno (NYC)
The Orange and Blue return to action Saturday, September 30 at Toronto FC. Kickoff from BMO Field is set for 7:30 p.m., and the match will stream exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Fans can also listen to the match locally on ESPN 1530.
