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FC Cincinnati beats NYCFC in MLS Cup Playoff Game 1

Game one against FC Cincinnati.

FC Cincinnati opened its 2024 MLS Cup playoff round on Monday with a 1-0 win over New York City FC at TQL Stadium in front of 21,413 spectators. Yamil Asad's first post-season goal in the 51st minute proved crucial as FCC won the first game of the best-of-three series.

The series continues Saturday with a home game for NYCFC at the New York Mets' Citi Field. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. With a win in regular play or in the penalty shootout, FC Cincinnati will advance to the semifinals of the Eastern Conference.

FC Cincinnati was threatening throughout Monday's game and ultimately prevailed over NYCFC 21-3. FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano saved NYCFC's only shot on goal, and the defense in front of him played as well as it has all season.

“I am very pleased with tonight’s performance in every way,” said FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan afterwards. “I thought the defensive pressure was significantly improved compared to our last game against (NYCFC)…The center backs were outstanding, but I also thought the guys in front of our defense did a really good job of keeping the pressure going backwards It looked really good, especially in the second half, but in the first 45 minutes it looked like a playoff game as both teams defended well, were organized and were difficult to play against, and then we saw the Moment In the second half I thought we managed the game well.

“One step along the way, but we know it won’t get any easier. So we have to be ready to turn things around, take the positives from it and be ready for an even better version of (NYCFC).”

Asad's tally came from a centered shot that was whipped over the goal by Luciano Acosta as he made his sixth goal contribution of the season as an FC Cincinnati player. Asad nodded his head at Acosta's aerial pass and fired the ball into the net to give Cincinnati the game-winning goal.

This assist marked Acosta's seventh active MLS player to score at least three goals and assists in the league's postseason.

“It’s not an easy finish for a ball that comes across like that,” Noonan said, “and to be able to keep it under the crossbar. (Yamil) has a feel for the game.”

Cincinnati later missed opportunities to take the game to ice. With no total points rule in effect for the current MLS Cup playoff format, additional goals would have had no impact on the remainder of the series but might have made it easier to seal Monday's victory.

Luca Orellano, playing as a forward for the second straight game and scoring five of FCC's team-high 22 shots, rattled the post in the 62nd minute. In the final seconds, Nicholas Gioacchini missed a breakaway opportunity in the 95th minute when he pushed his shot wide of the goal as NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese burst off his line to apply pressure.

Even without a second goal on 22 shots, Cincinnati was able to claim victory. This was also made easier in the final moments when NYCFC received a red card.

In stoppage time of the second half, Tayvon Gray and Acosta both fought for the ball near midfield. As the encounter ended, Acosta put his face to the ground and Gray stood upright with the ball, but then play was stopped and Gray received a red card for serious foul play.

A subsequent review by the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed the red card. Gray is suspended for the second game of the series.

Planning for Gray's absence will come later. If only for one night, FC Cincinnati was determined to savor their victory, their first at TQL Stadium since August 31st.

“It was an incredible performance by the team and we are proud of what we did out there,” said Chidozie Awaziem. “I mean, it wasn't easy. We expected a game like this and yes, I'm happy we got our first win and thank you to the fans who came to support us. We felt this energy and it stopped.” we go.

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Welcome to Cincinnati.com's live coverage of the MLS Cup Eastern Conference playoff series between No. 3 seed FC Cincinnati and No. 6 seed New York City FC. Game One takes place on Monday at TQL Stadium and will be broadcast nationally on FS1. Refresh this page during the game for live updates and analysis on the first game.

Follow us for live updates and highlights:

FC Cincinnati defeats NYCFC 1-0. The series will now move to the New York Mets' Citi Field, where NYCFC will try to avoid elimination. FCC can end the series with a win and advance to the Easter Conference semifinals, which are scheduled to take place on November 23rd and 24th.

After averaging more than 25,000 fans in 17 regular-season home games, 21,413 came to the first game of the best-of-three series.

Luca Orellano fired a shot past NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese's right post in the 62nd minute. Cincinnati is threatening to postpone this game.

FC Cincinnati takes the field first in the best-of-three series in the 51st minute. Luciano Acosta shot the ball in front of the goal. Yamil Asad hit the ball with his head and Acosta had already mustered the necessary force and the header chance ended up in the goal net.

DeAndre Yedlin, one of FC Cincinnati's leaders, grabbed his back in the first half. Now he's out of the game and Alvas Powell is in his place.

No result in Cincinnati so far. If it stays that way in the second half, penalties will decide the winner of Game One.

Shortly before halftime in the 42nd minute there is still no score, but the numbers show which direction the game is going. In general, FC Cincinnati has been the more active participant so far. The hosts outscore NYCFC 8-2, have three corners to NYCFC's one, and have 53% possession.

FC Cincinnati's first shot of the game was a good shot in the 20th minute, even though the score remains tied: 0-0. Yuya Kubo hit a left-footed shot that whistled past the post. Apart from this attempt by Kubo, the game lasted about 20 minutes.

The stage is set. A draw is not possible tonight. Either FC Cincinnati or NYCFC will take a 1-0 lead in this best-of-three series.

Cincinnati native Bootsy Collins participated in FC Cincinnati's pregame sword-drawing ritual to cheer on the crowd.

The Cincinnati.com prediction for the first game of the MLS Cup playoffs is a 3-1 win for Cincinnati.

FC Cincinnati will host the first best-of-three series of the MLS Cup playoffs at TQL Stadium and is considered the No. 3 seed. FC Cincinnati lost its first game to NYCFC earlier this season and lost in the Eastern Conference final to eventual MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew in last year's playoffs.

FC Cincinnati is the -115 favorite to win (Bet $115 to win $100, with a total payout of $215).

  • FC Cincinnati starting lineup: Roman Celentano (GK), Chidozie Awaziem, Miles Robinson, Teenage Hadebe, DeAndre Yedlin, Obinna Nwobodo, Yuya Kubo, Luciano Acosta (captain), Pavel Bucha, Yamil Asad, Luca Orellano.
  • Cincinnati bench: Alvas Powell, Nicholas Gioacchini, Corey Baird, Bret Halsey, Sergio Santos, Kevin Kelsy, Gerardo Valenzuela, Ian Murphy, Evan Louro (TW).
  • NYCFC starting lineup: Matt Freese (TW), Birk Risa, Thiago Martins (captain), Kevin O'Toole, Tayvon Gray, James Sands, Andres Perea, Keaton Parks, Santiago Rodriguez, Alonso Martinez, Hannes Wolf.
  • NYCFC Bank: Luis Barraza, Jovan Mijatovic, Monsef Bakrar, Julian Fernandez, Strahinja Tanasijevic, Agustin Ojeda, Maxi Moralez, Mitja Ilenic, Justin Haak.

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