FC Cincinnati survive barnburner against Toronto FC on Orellano brace
Damon Gumbert
I am…. Oh my god… Hol up… I need to catch my breath after that game.
FC Cincinnati survives an incredible performance from Lorenzo Insigne and beats Toronto FC 4-3.
Luca Orellano stepped up during an off night for reigning MVP Luciano Acosta, notching a brace and an assist, combining for a three goal-contribution night for the 24-year-old.
Pat Noonan was without Yuya Kubo, Corey Baird, and Alvas Powell for this game, and came with the 7th different lineup during this win streak, featuring Dado and Kelsy up top, and Brett Halsey at wingback.
The FC started off slow, falling behind 0-1 in the first half. Toronto outgunned FCC, scoring off a corner kick that wasn’t taken seriously by The FC.
The club came out firing in the second half, with Luca Orellano scoring the first goal for the Orange and Blue in the 52’.
Soon after, Kevin Kelsy added a BANGER in the back of the net off a Orellano assist, upping the lead to 2-1.
Unfortunately, Lorenzo Insigne was determined to keep his team in the match, firing a goal off the leg of Ian Murphy for an own goal in the 63’.
Orellano would then fire back for his third contribution of the night, securing his brace in the 79’ of the match.
Toronto secured a penalty kick in the 85’ after a late call on Miles Robinson in the box. Isigne easily netted the goal past Roman Celentano, who has not saved a PK since the playoff game against the New York Red Bulls in November.
Luckily, Orellano’s late substitute Yamil Assad assisted on a Sergio Santos goal in the 93’ of a 100+ minute match. A lucky offside call on an Insigne goal in the 95’ solidified the win for the good guys.
The last time FC Cincinnati left Toronto they were the Supporters Shield champions. This time, they leave as the top team in MLS, passing Inter Miami on the night (Pending Vancouver screwing up their shot at a weakened Miami side later tonight).
The Orange and Blue take on wannabe rivals Nashville SC on Wednesday May, 29 at TQL Stadium.