Now it feels like FC Cincinnati is on a cup run.
FC Cincinnati downed New York City FC on Wednesday at TQL Stadium, 1-0, in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 matchup to progress to the Round of 16.
Brandon Vazquez provided the contest's lone goal via a header off an Alvaro Barreal corner kick. FCC goalkeeper Alec Kann registered his second shutout in this season's Open Cup, too, as he is yet to be scored on in the competition.
The tournament should increase in difficulty as it progresses but stands four wins from its first piece of major silverware after defeating NYCFC.
"Really strong performance. I was really pleased with the collective, but a lot of individual performances from the guys, I thought they were ready to play," FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said afterward. "And against a very good New York City team that can make you chase the game, I thought there was a lot of things that the guys did well, and I'm pleased for a lot of reasons but for some of them that don't get the starts week-in and week-out, you know, the Alec's, the Dom's (Badji), you know, Malik (Pinto). I thought those guys were outstanding tonight. And it was a well-deserved win."
In advancing to play a third Open Cup match later this month, FC Cincinnati also ensured this cup run would at least be equal to the three-game run of 2018, which ended in penalty-kicks against Minnesota United FC at Nippert Stadium.
FC Cincinnati will learn more about its next Open Cup engagement during U.S. Soccer's 2 p.m. draw Thursday. FCC's next opponent, as well as possible quarterfinal opponents, will be revealed.
"I think when you when you win on a consistent basis, and when you win against top teams in the league, that should give the group belief that you can compete for trophies," Noonan said, "and I know that group in there believes, and we as a staff believe that."
FC Cincy is moving on
At last, after nine tries, FC Cincinnati beat New York City FC. Wednesday's 1-0 win at TQL Stadium secured FCC's progression to the U.S. Open Cup's Round of 16.
Vazquez provided the offense and goalkeeper Kann recorded his second shutout in two Open Cup matches.
Brandon Vazquez muscles up (56')
Brandon Vazquez netted his third goal of 2023 (the includes MLS and Open Cup play) when he headed home off an Alvaro Barreal corner kick.
Scoreless at halftime
No one found a breakthrough. Forty-five more minutes of this and these teams could find themselves looking at extra time, and penalty kicks after that if necessary.
Looking for a way through (38')
FC Cincinnati seems to have had the more threatening possession over the last 10 minutes. That included a hopeful Brandon Vazquez chance from midfield, which was saved by NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese, and an Alvaro Barreal chance from a more reasonable distance.
Early stages (15')
We're underway at TQL Stadium as of 7:04 p.m. and both teams have slid dangerous balls through the opponents' box but no big chances yet. NYCFC, which has four starters in its lineup from last weekend's match against Charlotte FC, has two shots. FC Cincinnati has six starters and a generally strong group for its starting XI.
The starters
- FC Cincinnati starters: Alec Kann (GK), Alvaro Barreal, Ian Murphy, Matt Miazga (captain), Yerson Mosquera, Ray Gaddis, Malik Pinto, Obinna Nwobodo, Yuya Kubo, Dominique Badji, Brandon Vazquez.
- Cincinnati bench: Alvas Powell, Joey Akpunonu, Nick Hagglund, Marco Angulo, Luciano Acosta, Sergio Santos, Evan Louro (GK).
- NYCFC starters: Matt Freese (GK), Talles Mago, Kevin O'Toole, Andres Jasson, Maxime Chanot, James Sands, Tayvon Gray, Tony Alfaro, Thiago Martins, Alfredo Morales, Gabriel Segal.
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