In their first home match in 11 months, FC Cincinnati earned a clean sheet in a scoreless draw with D.C. United on Friday night at Nippert Stadium.
Here are the takeaways from the match:
FCC pleased with a point but wanted three
After an opening 20 minutes that saw FC Cincinnati sitting back defensively trying to prevent D.C. United from producing an opener, the home side grew in confidence as the match continued.
If the visitors dominated much of the first half, the opposite occurred in the second.
The addition of Adrien Regattin, and, in particular, Allan Cruz, produced a lively FCC in possession. The forwards dropped deep to receive the ball, then used vertical runs that D.C. struggled to defend.
That tactic is exactly how FCC nearly scored a game-winner in the 84th minute when Cruz sent a through ball in behind the visitor’s backline. Jürgen Locadia took a touch, then unleashed a shot that clanked off the far post. That was the best scoring opportunity for either team.
“We controlled the game for big parts in the second half,” head coach Jaap Stam said. “It was very good for us. That is what we try to do.
“So, yeah, only one point. Can you say that is deserved? I am looking at the first half as well. First half, I think they dominated it a little bit more. We found it hard to play. In the second half we did a lot better. We controlled the game for big parts, and they found it very difficult. So, yeah, at the end, it is nice to have a point, but at the end of the day, of course, you want to have more.”
FCC have become sound defensively
The Orange and Blue have now gone 300 league minutes without conceding a goal – a club record since it joined MLS.
After losing to Columbus in the MLS is Back Tournament opener, Cincinnati has now recorded three-consecutive clean sheets in league play. That’s a significant feat for any team, but especially one that allowed nine goals in the opening three matches of the season.
“I think they’ve done very well,” Stam said. “We are asking a lot from them defensively as well. You see us, we are working with the players.”
It’s also worth noting that goalkeeper Przemysław Tytoń, who made one save against D.C. United, has now recorded three clean sheets in his last four appearances for the club. For context, FCC only had six clean sheets in all of 2019 – one of which was also against D.C.
“I’m a central defender. I love clean sheets, to be honest,” Tom Pettersson said. “Of course, I’m not happy right now because we didn’t score, but if we can get a win and a clean sheet, it’s the best feeling in the world.
“I think it’s important for us to feel we can defend in a really good way. That gives us a feeling we only need to score one goal instead of conceding and knowing we’re going to need three or four goals to win this game.”
On playing a home opener without fans
Friday night was the first time in club history that FCC played a home match without fans. It was a strange experience inside Nippert Stadium. The venue that’s become a cauldron of noise that helped Cincinnati become an MLS city, was hollow during the 2020 opener.
Other than banners and a massive tifo spread throughout The Bailey, the only sign of life was a roving Gary, the team mascot (who is energetic but doesn’t speak).
“It was definitely weird,” Gyau said of the atmosphere. “Since I came here last year, I was used to being able to play in front of a packed stadium. But it was good to be back at Nippert. I think the last time we played here was against Orlando (City SC) back last year in September, so it’s good to be back. Unfortunately, without fans, though.”
Gyau and Nick Hagglund both jokingly clapped toward The Bailey to thank the fans for their support.
What comes next
FC Cincinnati have a quick turnaround following Friday’s match. The Orange and Blue will play at Chicago Fire FC on Tuesday night at Soldier Field. That match will be the club’s seventh league game this season – and it’s against an opponent Cincinnati is unbeaten against in all competitions.
