After conceding four goals in the first half, FC Cincinnati lost 7-1 to Minnesota United FC on Saturday afternoon at Allianz Field. The seven goals allowed are the most in club history – on a day when the Orange and Blue had 16 available players, which is their fewest ever for a league match.
Here are takeaways from the result:
Disastrous start
Four goals allowed in the first half is the most in club history. Trailing 3-0 after 30 minutes into the match, Interim Head Coach Yoann Damet utilized a first-half water break and preached effort for his side. Ultimately, the first half ended 4-0.
FC Cincinnati scored the opening goal of the second half, when Emmanuel Ledesma cut the deficit to 4-1 in the 56th minute. The goal was Ledesma’s first career goal in MLS. From there, the home side replied with three more goals to produce their biggestwin in club history.
Finding positives
“Manu” finding the scoring sheet was the biggest positive for Cincinnati in Minnesota. The goal was the club’s first in league play since June 6 at New York City FC, and first scored by an FCC player since the loss at the Colorado Rapids on June 1. (FCC’s two goals scored against NYCFC were own goals.)
Additionally, rookie Tommy McCabe made his MLS debut in the second half when he replaced Eric Alexander at halftime. McCabe was recalled from a loan at North Carolina FC in the USL Championship, but rejoined his MLS side last month. While he’s been on the bench for previous matches, Saturday was the first time he’s seen time on the field for the Orange and Blue.
Lack of depth apparent
The loss was a reminder of Cincinnati's lack of depth.
Before the match even started, the lineup card the visitors submitted only contained 16 out of a possible 18 options.
Leo Bertone missed the match with a suspension and he'll be available next weekend against Houston.
Fatai Alashe, Fanendo Adi, Greg Garza and Roland Lamah aren't medically cleared to play. Add those to Allan Cruz, Kendall Waston, Alvas Powell and Darren Mattocks being away at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, and FC Cincinnati were left recalling Logan Gdula from his loan and still didn't have 18 available players.
The players missing account for 6-8 usual starters when the full squad is healthy and available.
What comes next?
Following the loss, FC Cincinnati return to Nippert Stadium next Saturday when they host the Houston Dynamo for the team’s “Americana Game,” which will include post-match fireworks.
That Houston match will be the first of three home games for Cincinnati in the club’s next four matches.
