NYCFC finally beats FC Cincinnati for the first time since 2021

On Wednesday, New York City FC played the final midweek game of the regular season at Red Bull Arena.  They were initially the road team there over the weekend, for the Pigeons absolutely destroyed the New York Red Bulls in the 5-1 win.  In the game against FC Cincinnati, they were now the home team.  Unfortunately, the MLB playoffs have forced the team to play in their rival’s stadium.

Nevertheless, the mission was the same.  NYCFC is trying to grab fourth place in the Eastern Conference table.  With three games left before Wednesday’s fixture, the idea was possible.  They had to get through Cincinnati first.

They knew the Ohio team would be difficult to beat.  The Orange and Blue were in third place and 12 points ahead of fifth-place NYCFC.  They also had a five-game winning streak over the Bronx team.  Could the Boys in Blue finally win?

The answer is yes.  NYCFC finally beat FC Cincinnati 3-2 for the first time since 2021.  The upset puts them in a closer spot to fourth place, but Orlando City SC also won, so there is no change in the standings.

NYCFC secures three points against FC Cincinnati

It was shocking that Nick Cushing did not include Tayvon Gray in the Starting XI after his fantastic match against the Red Bulls.  Instead, Mitja Ilenič got the start.  The head coach was surely thinking of the attack, for the Slovenian still has the offensive edge over Gray.

Still, NYCFC was confident from the opening whistle.  The two teams shared possession and periods of attack, and the Pigeons struck first in the 16th minute.  And guess what?  It was Ilenič who scored his first goal in Major League Soccer.  The right-back took his shot right outside the box on the right.  He looked up, sent the ball toward the goal, and it dribbled into the back-left corner.

The back and forth continued from then on, but the visitors began to earn some more chances, including free kicks.  The Ohio team did struggle with the set pieces but grew more into the match as the first half progressed.  They became more threatening, and the small crowd at Red Bull Arena and those watching from home became nervous.

Thankfully, Cushing or one of the players said something at halftime, for the Boys in Blue evened the play again in the second half.  NYCFC and Cincinnati shared periods of possession and attacking sequences.  It felt like anyone could score.  However, the home team doubled their lead in the 65th minute.

Santiago Rodríguez stole the ball from Cincinnati and started the counterattack.  He ran up the pitch, slyly maneuvering around defenders.  The only teammate available in front of him was Alonso Martínez.  The midfielder passed the ball to the striker, and the Costa Rican struck with power.  Martínez scored his 15th goal of the season to put his team up 2-0. 

The lead did not last long though, for Thiago Martins gave up a penalty kick after a handball.  As a result, Luciano Acosta scored in the 69th minute to bring his team back within one.

Fans will of course remember the Leagues Cup match when they were up 2-0 and lost 4-2 against the Orange and Blue.  NYCFC could not make the same mistakes. Thankfully, they did not give up four goals.

Once again, not too long after, the Pigeons themselves were awarded a penalty kick.  At first, it was not called, but VAR intervened.  Rodríguez stepped up to take the kick and secured the two-goal advantage in the 75th after sending the ball into the left side of the net.

Defensively, the Pigeons did well up where they thought they would end the night 3-1, but Cincinnati got another goal in the 90th plus sixth minute after the corner kick was given to the visitors after an initial goal kick was called.  The backline could not get into the proper position and Corey Baird scored after the corner kick. 

Alas, Cincinnati could not get another, and NYCFC finally beat them for the first time since 2021.  The second goal that was given up was truly a perfect opportunity, and it was taken.  Holding on to win 3-2 was exactly what the Pigeons needed. Plus, they won back-to-back wins at Red Bull Arena as a visitor and the home team.

The season is not over, but one cannot help but wonder whether NYCFC is clicking just in time before the playoffs. If they win the remaining two matches, then the answer might be yes.