The Battle of the Roman Empires ends with FC Cincinnati winning 3-1
Damon Gumbert
Roman Celentano told The Post that he wanted to best Roman Burki in the Battle of Roman’s, and tonight he successfully did that.
The FC overcame St. Louis CITY SC with a score of 3-1 after a hard fought battle Saturday.
Coach of the Year Pat Noonan put out a different looking squad, with Dado Valenzuela, Brett Halsey and Nick Hagglund making the start for the game.
The matchup began with FCC on their heels, with STL attacking the right side of the field that was held up by Brett Halsey and Nick Hagglund. Brett Halsey found himself on the ground multiple times within the first 13 minutes.
The club bounced back early though, with Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player Luciano Acosta forcing a penalty kick in the 23rd minute of the match. Acosta easily put the ball in the back of the net, putting Cincinnati up 1-0 early.
That made 8 consecutive matches with a goal contribution for the reigning MVP.
Things were chippy all night, with multiple players, including Ian Murphy, getting booked with yellow cards before the referee blew the half-time whistle.
CITY made two adjustments at the half, with FCC making none.
The Orange and Blue got off to a hot start in the second half, with Yuya Kubo scoring off a beautiful Acosta assist early.
St. Louis put one back on the board after a mistake from reigning MLS Defensive Player of the Year Matt Miazga misplayed a pass to Roman Celentano into the back of his own net.
Soon after Pat Noonan brought on Hell is Real hero Kevin Kelsy at the 59’. Kelsy subbed on for Valenzuela.
Brett Halsey and Yuya Kubo would come up lame late in the match. Yamil Asad and Sergio Santos would come in to substitute.
Acosta, who already had two goal contributions on the night, would add a second assist when he soared a pass past Burki and right to Santos for the soft touch into the back of the net.
The reigning MVP has 7 goals and 9 assists on the season, following up a 17 goal and 14 assist season in 2023.
Acosta would be subbed off later in the match, but took too long to leave the field and caused Malik Pinto to wait two minutes to come on as his replacement.
It wouldn’t matter, as the FCC would hold on for the win.
Miami did hold on to win their match against DC United 1-0 and remain in first place in the Supporters Shield race.
FC Cincinnati will next go to Canada for a match against Toronto FC on May 25. Their next match-up in The Fortress is on Wed. May 29 against wannabe rivals Nashville SC.