Coach John Harkes and his FC Cincinnati squad maintained their current unbeaten streak in USL play by drawing the visiting Richmond Kickers 1-1. As FC Cincinnati fans awaited the final whistle, Richmond tied the game in the third minute of stoppage time. This is the Orange & Blues 7th consecutive league game without a loss.
The match was delayed for roughly one hour, but FC Cincinnati fans stayed at Nippert and made for another raucous atmosphere.
FC Cincinnati got on the board first in the 13th minute as Sean “Ugo” Okoli finished his rebound at the far post. Okoli pushed his first attempt into the hands of Richmond Kickers keeper Charlie Horton, who fumbled the chance back to the Cincinnati striker for his 5th of the season.
Sean Okoli finds the back of the net and puts FCC up 1-0. pic.twitter.com/zPDK9UTADF
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) June 5, 2016
FC Cincinnati and Richmond went back and forth throughout the half with the score held at 1-0.
In the 2nd half, FC Cincinnati struggled to build through the midfield. In the 55th minute Cincinnati back-up center back Paul Nicholson picked up a knock and was subbed out for Evan Lee. While Lee performed well in reserve, FC Cincinnati withstood many promising Richmond attacks. Keeper Mitch Hildebrandt was called into service more than once to maintain the lead late in the half.
The 11,278 fans witnessed Mitch parry a Richmond chance over the bar in the 91st minute when the Kickers attack played a ball in, proceeding to kick Hildebrandt after the play.
In the 94th minute, Richmond played a wide ball down the right side of the field that Jason Yeisley crossed into Hugh Roberts who slipped a laser past Hildebrandt. Following the restart of play, Cincinnati couldn’t put together a chance and settled for a draw.
It ain't over till it's over! @RichmondKickers tie it up in the last play of the game 👀🙀 #CINvRIC #USLhttps://t.co/vmUZHw2vrz
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) June 5, 2016
Up Next:
FC Montreal – Things should only get better as FC Cincinnati will face last-place FC Montreal next Saturday, June 11th in Nippert Stadium. Montreal sits on 3 points (1-8-0) before this weekends round of games. The MLS2 side has found goals hard to come by scoring 5 goals in their first 9 matches. The one bright spot for FC Montreal has been the play of young keeper Maxime Crepeau. The Canadian keeper is coming off his CanMNT senior debut this past February and should provide a test to FC Cincinnati.
bryanweigel for @cincysoccertalk
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