FC Cincinnati played its best match of the 2021 Major League Soccer season thus far and nabbed a 2-1 victory over CF Montreal on Saturday.
Montreal controlled the game early, but Cincinnati rallied back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two deciding goals in the final 30 minutes of the match.
The comeback for Cincinnati kept their perfect record against CF Montreal in tact. Here's what we learned from the match:
Big breaks for kept FC Cincinnati alive in the first half
It was a winning score, but it wasn’t all perfect for FC Cincinnati.
Montreal filled their 55% of possession minutes with good looks and, in some cases, wide-open chances.
In the 44th minute, FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer found himself in a 2-on-1 showdown against Montreal forwards. A pass from the side put Montreal in what looked to be perfect scoring position, until Montreal’s shot missed aim, fleeting to the side of the wide-open FCC goal.
This, and other missed chances from Montreal, wore down FC Cincinnati defenders. Almost constantly playing under pressure, Montreal found a gap in FCC's defense in the 56th minute to grab a 1-0 lead.
Jürgen Locadia brings a spark off the bench
Just eight minutes into his time on the field, forward Jürgen Locadia put FC Cincinnati on the board.
From a corner kick, FC Cincinnati juggled the ball through the air until Locadia headed it over Montreal's goalkeeper. The goal marked Locadia's first of the season.
But Locadia did more than put FC Cincinnati on the board. His goal kick started offensive momentum for FCC.
In the minutes that ensued, FCC swarmed Montreal territory, making a comeback which gave FCC the edge on shots against Montreal, 13-12. Possession flip flopped to be heavily in FCC’s favor and Montreal had trouble responding to the change of pace.
Newcomers Geoff Cameron and Gustavo Vallecilla continue positive campaign
When Geoff Cameron and Gustavo Vallecilla's names appeared in the starting lineup last week against Inter Miami heads turned.
Now, after their performances against Montreal on Saturday, confusion is no longer warranted.
Cameron solidified his importance in the FC Cincinnati lineup with a defensive performance that kept FCC in the game early on.
With Montreal attacking dangerous Cincinnati territory in the 13th minute, Cameron made a pivotal move that single-handedly helped Cincinnati escape.
On the other hand, Vallecilla made his move by knocking in the game-winning goal for FC Cincinnati.
In the 86th minute, Vallecilla found Ronald Matarrita's free kick in mid air, heading the ball past Montreal's goalkeeper to solidify the FC Cincinnati win.
Matarrita had the assist on the play to tally his third on six FC Cincinnati goals this season.
FC Cincinnati's next match will be against New England at TQL Stadium on May 29.
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