FC Cincinnati’s season ends after penalty loss to NYCFC

Damon Gumbert

The FC Cincinnati season is officially over, after falling to New York City FC in penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in regulation.

New York had to feel lucky after the 0-0 draw in the first 90’. Cincinnati commanded possession, ending up with 52% while going as high as 56% near half-time. Cincinnati’s offense had an expected goal (xG) of 1.13 on 15 total shots. New York walked away with a 0.28 xG and only six total shots on goal.

“Our finishing let us down,” said Head Coach Pat Noonan. “We had some really good chances to get a lead tonight...and I think in the end, that's kind of what hurt us in the game and in the series as a whole, but really the last couple months.”

A lack of finishing could be the description to most of The FC’s season, where the club very often out shot their opponents but struggled at times to put a ball into the back of the net. Looking back to their matchup against Inter Miami CF on Aug. 24, the club dominated possession with 58% and took another 16 shots on goal. They lost that match 2-0.

The club has lacked consistent production from the striker position since the exits of Brandon Vazquez and Brenner. Aaron Boupendza’s run with the club ended after multiple off-field incidents and eventually MLS terminated his contract after he stopped showing up to practices. Corey Baird was brought in over the winter to join Boupendza up top but failed to amount to much of anything in his first season with the club, eventually finding his way to the bench and often being used as a super sub late in matches. Kevin Kelsy was a bright spot early when he was brought in, but the 19-year-old Venezuelan struggled to make an impact after a strong start with the club. Nicholas Gioacchini was brought in during the summer transfer window, but he only managed seven shots in eight appearances with FC Cincinnati.

Over the last four games Noonan has started Yuya Kubo and Luca Orellano at striker. The combo, matched with Lucho Acosta in the attacking midfield position and Yamil Asad at left wingback, looked crisp and fluid in the first match of the series with NYC, with their passing back and forth being key in their goal. In game three the group looked out of sorts, with Kubo, Acosta, and Asad all amounting to less than 80% accurate passes (73, 69, 77 respectively). Orellano made 96% accurate passes, but of his five attempts on goal he walked away with a 0.72 xG.

The defense, led by Obinna Nwobodo, was able to squash any real chances NYC had in during regulation, keeping the attackers away from goalkeeper Roman Celentano and allowed the offense to put pressure on opposing goalkeeper Matt Freese. Both goalkeepers were up to the challenge, combining for five saves on the night (four for Freese and one for Celentano). Freese would win the goalkeeper battle in penalties, saving shots from Pavel Bucha, Gerardo Valenzuela, and Teenage Hadebe, while a shot from Chidozie Awaziem ended up in the stands. Celentano, who has been criticized for his abilities during penalty kicks, saved shots from Thiago Martins and Kevin O’Toole, while Andres Perea also sent his shot into the stands. Unfortunately for Celentano, he was beat by Mitja Ilenic in the ninth round of penalties, sending NYCFC on to face their rivals the New York Red Bulls in the semifinals.

FC Cincinnati now enter a period of uncertainty. The club has many players under contract in 2025 and beyond, including a returning Matt Miazga who would pair up with Awaziem and Hadebe on the back line. Big questions linger on the future for Miles Robinson, who has an option for 2025 but feels unlikely to return, as well as Nwobodo, Orellano, who is on loan from Argentinian side Vasco De Gama, Kelsy, who is on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk, Alvas Powell and Sergio Santos. And now Acosta has thrown his name in as someone who may not return to the club next season.

Acosta told reporters after the match that he was not sure what lies ahead for him with FC Cincinnati. “Today I played for [the fans] to remember as my last at the club... I want them to remember me like this,” he said after the game. “I gave my life for this club. I gave everything. They were amazing years. I'm not saying I'm leaving, but today I'm taking a little break and think well about what's going to happen.” Acosta is signed with the team through the 2026 season, but the club has worked with other players at moving on when they believe it’s time to do so. Notably, before the 2024 season the club loaned Alvaro Barreal to Cruzerio of the Brazilian football league after he made it clear he was unhappy staying with the team. They also transferred Vazquez to C.F. Monterrey after he publicly stated that he wanted to move on from the club. There is no telling if Acosta is serious about wanting to leave or if he is caught up in the emotion of a very trying season, but a move from Acosta would be momentous for the relatively young club.

While it’s unclear what the future holds, one thing is for sure; This club, with all the injuries, new additions, and off-field distractions made it just as far as Columbus and Miami in the MLS playoffs.

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