Despite taking an early lead in the 24th minute, FC Cincinnati lost 5-1 to Orlando City SC on Sunday afternoon at Orlando City Stadium. With the loss, the club stays on 11 points through 13 matches.
Here are takeaways from the match…
The injury, the goal and the equalizer
FC Cincinnati’s match started in the worst way possible. In the sixth minute, Greg Garza limped off the field and fell to the turf in Cincinnati’s technical error. Minutes later, the left back was stretched off.
It was a non-contact calf injury. At halftime, it was announced that Garza would return to Cincinnati on Sunday night to begin treatment Monday morning. Interim Head Coach Yoann Damet replaced Garza with Alvas Powell.
Cincinnati’s response to the injury was largely positive. Despite sitting back defensively and looking to attack via counters, the visitors created moments of attacking quality.
In the 21st minute, Emmanuel Ledesma hit the cross bar on a driven shot. Three minutes later, Darren Mattocks beat multiple defenders and blasted a shot into the roof of the net. Although the goal came against the run of play, it showed FCC’s ability to attack and bury chances.
Orlando equalized via Tesho Akindele in the 37th minute after the home side split through Cincinnati’s midfield and defense.
Tied at halftime, Cincinnati was on its way to a nice point.
And then the second half arrived
Problems started in the 48th minute when Kendall Waston brought down Lamine Sane in the box. VAR ruled it a penalty.
Spencer Richey stopped Nani’s initial shot but Nani finished his rebound.
Nani doubled the lead after a surging run from Ruan down Cincinnati’s left flank. Nani finished Ruan’s cross.
Cincinnati then allowed two goals via corners. Akindele scored once more on a low driven shot to the back post before Dom Dwyer added the fifth goal.
After a positive first half, Cincinnati allowed four goals in the second and finished the match with the most goals allowed in its MLS history.
What’s next for the Orange and Blue?
FC Cincinnati host the New York Red Bulls next Saturday night at Nippert Stadium. The matchup will be the second between the clubs this season – FCC lost 1-0 at Red Bull Arena on April 27.
It’ll be the first meeting between the clubs at Nippert since the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals, which Cincinnati lost 3-2 after extra time.
Following New York’s visit, Cincinnati will play at the Colorado Rapids on June 1 and at NYCFC on June 6 before the Gold Cup break.
