Matchday 18: FC Cincinnati vs. Richmond Kickers
Nippert Stadium – Attendance: 21,769
FC Cincinnati came out strong, dominating the game right from the start vs. the Richmond Kickers. Djiby had 3 chances in the first 3 minutes off of balls from Matt Bahner, Tyler Polak and Kenney Walker respectively. The third opportunity finally landing in the back of the net and giving the Orange and Blue the early lead.
WATCH: Djiby score a goal in the 3' to give FCC a 1-0 lead vs Richmond. #CINvRIC pic.twitter.com/U8FPoi7B9o
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) July 9, 2017
In the 21st minute, FC Cincinnati almost doubled the lead when Corben Bone buried the ball off a well-played cross from Andrew Wiedeman. Unfortunately, Wiedeman was ruled offside and the goal was disallowed. Djiby almost collected a brace in the 41st minute, and nearly doubled the FCC lead when he bounced a ball off the cross bar, straight down but just outside the goal. The Bailey shouted for the goal to be awarded but replays show that it did not fully cross the goal line.
As the first half ended, FCC controlled two-thirds possession and only one save required as they took a 1-0 lead 1-0 into the locker room.
In the second half, Cincinnati continued to press to put the game away with a second goal. Though they saw chances, Cincinnati failed to find the elusive second goal. Around the 70th minute, Richmond made several substitutions including pulling off defender Evan Lee and moving to a 3-5-2. For about 10 minutes, FCC buckled as the fresh legs and change of strategy from the Kickers created possession and several opportunities. For awhile, the game looked like it could end with a disappointing 1-1 draw, but the Cincinnati back line held and kept Richmond off the score sheet.
As the Orange and Blue began to recover and regain control of the game, they pressed again for a second goal. In the 87th minute, frustration finally led to Richmond seeing a red when Fred Owusu-Sekyere threw an arm into new substitute Aodhan Quinn’s face.
Up a man and looking to close out the game, FCC finally got their opportunity in the fading seconds of regulation time. König forced the Richmond keeper to make another save, and as the ball popped loose, it struck the arm of defender Braeden Troyer. The center ref pointed immediately to the spot giving Cincinnati their first PK in league play this season.
Aodhan Quinn stepped up to take the kick and buried the ball in the back of the net. Nippert erupted and the players celebrated but then the center referee called for a re-kick. It was not clear what caused the re-kick but fortunately, Quinn remained calm and simply buried the ball a second time.
WATCH: Aodhan Quinn give FCC a 2-0 lead over Richmond with a PK goal. #CINvRIC pic.twitter.com/c46NrqQHOX
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) July 9, 2017
With only a few minutes remaining, the game was all but over.
3 Things to Know
3 Points: Nippert continues to be a fortress for the Orange and Blue with only one loss this season in all competitions. After a disappointing road trip to Florida, it’s nice to be home. Never underestimate the 12th man. The win moves FC Cincinnati back into 6th place in the standings and keeps them more securely in a playoff position.
Chance, Chances, Chances: 2 – nil is a nice result for FC Cincinnati, but it’s worth noting that over half our shots were on target, including the cracker off the crossbar that bounced just outside the touchline and a goal from Corben Bone called back for offside. Playing the last place team with a solid starting XI, you’d expect FCC to dominate the game and score multiple goals even when the Kickers are known for having a stout defense, but forcing an opposing keeper into a half dozen saves shows the potential this team has offensively.
Walking Wounded: Coach Koch referred to the team as the walking wounded at the end of the game. Obviously, Harrison Delbridge has missed the last 2 games, but we saw several players take knocks and seem slow to stand up or recover. The team has been playing a game almost every 4 days for the last 2 months. This is certainly catching up with the boys even with squad depth and rotation.
Player Ratings:
Box Score:
FC Cincinnati Starting XI (3-4-3): Hildebrandt (GK), Hoyte, Nicholson, Berry; Polak, K. Walker, Bone, Bahner; McLaughlin (91′), Djiby (67′), Wiedeman (84′)
Subs: Jaye(GK), Dacres (2′), Halfhill, Josu, König (23′), Quinn (6′), Stevenson
Richmond Kickers Starting XI (4-5-1): Turner (GK), Roberts, Shanosky, Lee (70′), Troyer; Gonzalez, Durkin, Eaton, Jane, McCann (63′); Tayou (70′)
Subs: Debellis, Owusu (27′), Asante, Wyatt, Grant (30′), Fernando, Imura (30′)
Scoring:
3′: FC Cincinnati – Djiby (K. Walker)
91′: FC Cincinnati – Quinn (PK)
Slide Show:
Next Up:
(OPEN CUP QUARTERFINALS) Wednesday 7/12: at Miami FC – 7:30 p.m. EST – Florida International University Riccardo Silva Stadium, Miami, FL.
(LEAGUE) Saturday 7/15 – at Louisville City FC – 7:30 p.m. EST – Slugger Field, Louisville, KY.
@billwwolf for @CincySoccerTalk
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