New York City FC fall 1-0 to FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Saturday night thanks to a goal from Luciano Acosta in the second half. The loss stalls the momentum the team generated following their comeback win over Toronto FC one week ago. The shutout also continues to put emphasis on City’s inability to score goals this season with just three in five games in 2024.
Cincinnati attacked early and forced City onto the back-foot. Efforts from Aaron Boupendza and Pavel Bucha set the tone for the reigning Supporters Shield winners who did have to contend with City’s physicality in response. Despite being forced into a defensive posture, City were able to create opportunities. In particular, Julian Fernandez’s effort in the 33rd minute let Cincinnati know that City was still in the game.
Cincinnati continued to push forward in the second half, finding the game’s only goal in the 57th minute. A series of connective passes between Corey Baird and Acosta led to the goal. It was a deflating moment as Santiago Rodriguez had a headed effort pushed aside by goalkeeper Roman Celentano. Cincinnati continued to push for the second goal but were unable to find it thanks to timely saves by City keeper Matt Freese.
The loss is the fourth in five games for NYC, placing more strain on head coach Nick Cushing. The pressure continues to mount as the club slips lower and lower down the standings in the first third of the campaign. Next the team travels to Miami to face an Inter team that will be looking to get back on track after being dominated by New York Red Bulls earlier in the day.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Tanasijevic, Thiago, Risa (52′ Haak), Jasson, Perea, Sands, O’Toole (78′ Ojeda), Fernandez (67′ Jones), Rodriguez, Wolf (67′ Martinez)
FC Cincinnati: Celentano; Keller (73′ Hagglund), Miazga, Murphy, Yedlin, Kubo, Bucha, Orellano (88′ Pinto), Acosta, Baird (82′ Santos), Boupendza (90′ Valenzuela)
SCORING SUMMARY:
57′ (FC Cincinnati) Luciano Acosta (3) assisted by Corey Baird
DISCIPLINE:
20′ (FC Cincinnati) Luciano Acosta – YELLOW CARD
45′ (NYCFC) Andres Perea – YELLOW CARD