NYCFC stave off FC Cincinnati in 3-2 statement win

It wasn't pretty, but New York City FC took down FC Cincinnati 3-2 at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night to earn back-to-back wins. It was NYCFC's first win over Cincinnati since 2021, and the team's first victory over one of the top three Eastern Conference teams this season.

Mitja Ilenič started the night in style by scoring his first career goal for New York City. The second half saw more action and more tension, with Alonso Martínez making it 2-0 after Santiago Rodríguez forced a turnover from FCC. But a Thiago Martins handball gave Cincinnati a chance from the spot, with Luciano Acosta converting to cut the deficit in half.

Then NYCFC earned a penalty, and Rodríguez buried it to give his side some breathing room. A late goal from Corey Baird made the final moments of the game tense, but New York City held on for the statement win and remain in 5th Place in the Eastern Conference.

Another early goal

NYCFC needed to start the game on the front foot going up against a strong side like Cincinnati. For the 12th time this season, New York City scored in the first 20 minutes of the game, with Mitja Ilenič finding the back of the net.

This was the third straight game where a New York City player scored their first career goal. Maybe Ilenič was jealous of James Sands and Tayvon Gray?

Mitja Ilenic on his first #NYCFC goal. pic.twitter.com/IqGOYULHqo

— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) October 3, 2024

The goal was a wonder strike – Maxi Moralez switched the ball to the right side of the field, finding Ilenič open at the edge of the box. No Cincinnati defender closed Ilenič down, giving him all the time to place it perfectly in the bottom left corner.

NOW THAT’S HOW YOU SCORE YOUR FIRST @MLS GOAL 🇸🇮 pic.twitter.com/bWnKJCHob7

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) October 3, 2024

Cincinnati started to settle into the game, but NYCFC went into the break with a 1-0 lead, four shots on target, and 64 percent possession.

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Hudson River BlueHudson River Blue Staff

Chaotic second half

Cincinnati started the second half with more of the momentum, but New York City flipped the script in the 65th minute with a goal against the run of play.

Santiago Rodríguez did well to poke the ball away from Cincinnati's Luca Orellano, giving NYCFC a three-on-two advantage on the counterattack. Rodríguez played it to his left to Alonso Martínez, who hit it first-time and crossbar-down for his 15th MLS goal of the season, giving his team a 2-0 lead.

That may have been one of Martínez's best finishes — he struck it perfectly from outside of the box with so much power, forcing the ball to rattle straight down off the crossbar.

ESTE HOMBRE MARCA GOLES COMO SI NADA 🇨🇷 pic.twitter.com/v8eS89aGad

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) October 3, 2024

But only four minutes later, a Thiago Martins handball gave Cincinnati a penalty, and Luciano Acosta did not waste the opportunity. The 2023 MLS MVP placed it in the top right corner for his 13th goal of the season and made it a one-goal game.

But New York City would restore their lead just six minutes later. Cincinnati defender Ian Murphy took down Andrés Perea in the box, and after a VAR review, NYCFC was given a penalty. Up stepped Rodríguez, who sent Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentao the wrong way for his 10th MLS goal of the season.

SIMPLEMENTE COSAS DE SANTI 🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/MsBbpiDE5S

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) October 3, 2024

New York City defended well for the remainder of the second half, but referee Guido Gonzales Jr. added 13 minutes of stoppage time, making the game's final minutes intense.

Cincinnati pulled a goal back off a corner kick six minutes into stoppage time, with the ball falling right to the feet of Corey Baird, who simply blasted it into the top of the net.

NYCFC parked the bus and successfully held on for a big win against the 2023 Supporter Shield winners.

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Hudson River BlueAndrew Leigh

Momentum is high

After the game, Head Coach Nick Cushing talked about New York City's momentum following impressive results against Inter Miami, New York Red Bulls, and now Cincinnati.

Nick Cushing on how the Sands goal against Miami has given #NYCFC momentum to defeat Red Bulls and Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/ZDT1M4NsVT

— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) October 3, 2024

Cushing mentioned how important it is that NYCFC enters the playoffs in positive form and stressed how that played a big role in the team's winning the MLS Cup in 2021.

Matt Freese also discussed momentum, stating that there's still more work to be done to finish fourth in the Eastern Conference and earn home-field advantage.

Matt Freese on #NYCFC’s last three games against Miami, Red Bulls and Cincinnati and how players like Tayvon Gray, himself, and Kevin O’Toole have grown and made headlines this season. pic.twitter.com/M06M7piVh0

— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) October 3, 2024

Freese spoke on New York City's next game against Nashville on Sunday, stressing how important it is to earn three points to finish the season strong.

NYCFC is finding their form at the right time, and with just two games left in the regular season, that highly-sought 4th Place spot is within striking distance.