FC Cincinnati's roar returned with its first sold-out home match in more than 20 months. Goals and wins remain lacking, though.
FC Cincinnati's trademark raucous support packed TQL Stadium Saturday for a visit from Colorado Rapids. An attendance figure wasn't announced, but the sellout was, and it was the most fans to witness an FCC home match since September 2019.
Deafening noise and smoke emanated from the Bailey supporters section, and the vast majority of seats from the top row to the clubs, suites and all levels in between appeared to be full.
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The experience was FC Cincinnati as locals came to know and love the club prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sellout crowd didn't get what they came to see, though, as the club dropped to 1-5-1 on the season in a 2-0 loss to the Rapids.
The match was FCC's third loss in three matches at its new home. It was also the fourth time in seven games that Cincinnati was kept off the scoreboard.
After a convincing opening 20 minutes from Cincinnati. Colorado broke the game open with when Diego Rubio slammed home his third goal of the season in the 21st minute.
Statistically, FC Cincinnati deserved better. They won the possession battle, took more shots and fired more on-target than did the Rapids.
Colorado was frequently bailed out by goalkeeper William Yarbrough, who made eight stops in recording the shutout.
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As FCC pushed for an equalizer in the second half, it seemed to be spurred forward by its home support. The Rapids hit back on the counter attack in the 71st minute, though.
Jonathan Lewis broke in and fired across Cincinnati goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer's net, finding the side-netting for 2-0.
The victory saw the Rapids, which have proven to be lethal on the road under head coach Robin Fraser, to 5-2-1.
Personnel-wise, FC Cincinnati head coach Jaap Stam made multiple changes to the starting lineup from the last match on May 29.
Isaac Atanga provided some attacking zest and Alvaro Barreal returned to the starting lineup.
Edgar Castillo also made his debut for Cincinnati in place of Ronald Matarrita, who didn't dress for the contest after battling a calf injury since the first half of the May 29 game against New England.
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