FC Cincinnati leads NYCFC in Round 1 of Audi 2024 MLS Cup

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - FC Cincinnati defeated New York City FC in the first best-of-three match for the Audi 2024 MLS Cup.

Over 21,000 fans attended TQL Stadium on Monday night to watch the first round of the playoffs and an FCC win.

With a perfect cross from Cincinnati forward Luciano “Lucho” Acosta, Cincinnati midfielder Yamil Asad was able to head the ball into the back of the net, scoring the one and only goal of the match.

While it was a great win for FCC, the Orange and the Blue will go head-to-head with New York City FC again on Nov. 2 at Citi Field. Kick-off is at 5 p.m.

Match Highlights

A scoreless first-half

Tensions were high on the pitch as Cincinnati and New York City fought long and hard for that first goal.

Based on the first-half stats, it is clear FC Cincinnati was in control of the first 45 minutes of the match.

The Orange and the Blue attempted eight shots - two on target - with three corner kicks, keeping 54% possession of the ball.

While New York City FC’s defense kept up with FCC and successfully defended all eight shots, the team lagged in offensive play.

The visiting team only had two shots - one on target - with one corner kick in the first half.

Two yellow cards were given in the first half to FCC forward Luca Orellano (29′) and to New York City FC midfielder James Sands (41′).

FCC brings the heat in the second half

About six minutes into the second half, Asad regained possession of the ball from New York City and dribbled the ball from midfield up to the top of the opponent’s box.

Asad passed the ball to Orellano and made a run for the goal.

Orellano makes a pass to Cincinnati forward Yuya Kubo.

Kubo took a shot on goal, but New York City’s goalie was already coming out. The ball deflected off the goalie and found its way to Acosta’s feet.

In true Acosta fashion, the team captain crossed the ball perfectly to the center of the box and Asad headed it in. An FCC goal in the 51st minute.

That first goal ended up being the only goal of the match, and a crutch to help FC Cincinnati move forward from Round 1 in the MLS Cup.

Watch the goal below:

Two more yellow cards and a red card were given on the pitch during the second half. New York City FC midfielder Maxi Moralez got a yellow card in the 82nd minute and Asad received one in the 89th minute.

In the 99th minute, New York City FC defender Tavyon Gray got a red card after he pushed Acosta to the ground. Words were exchanged after, but it is not fully known why he received a red card.

According to the Audi 2024 MLS Cup playoff rules, Gray will have to sit-out his next match, which is against FCC on Nov. 5.

Previous MLS reports say Gray has been suspended before for using “language that violates league policy,” which was during an FC Cincinnati game in June of 2023.

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