FC Cincinnati traveled to a packed Marshall Wireless Stadium just outside St. Louis, MO for an inter-conference match. Coach Harkes changed up the squad going into FCC’s second game of the week by inserting Omar Cummings and Omar Mohomed into the Starting XI. The Orange & Blue were able come off a midweek loss at Rochester and defeat Saint Louis FC 2-1 after leading the match from the 7th minute.
Starting XI: Hildebrandt (GK), (R-L) McMahon, Nicholson, Delbridge, Polak; McLaughlin, Bone, Walker, Mohomed; Okoli, Cummings
Subs – Jaye (GK), Berry*, Luke*, Narbon, Tomaselli, Stevenson*, Wiedeman*
FC Cincinnati came out firing from the start totaling 6 shots on the half. In the 5th minute winger Omar Mohomed unleashed a shot high after a good dish from forward Omar Cummings. The combo of Cummings and Sean “Ugo” Okoli paid dividends early in the 1st with several opportunities. In the 7th minute, Cummings was played on goal with a great pass from Okoli who was able to beat the Saint Louis FC keeper, fellow Jamaican Ryan Thompson near post.
FC Cincinnati compiled opportunities as the work rate from the midfield and forwards caused several turnovers of STLFC. The FCC back line was also looking for immediate counter chances hoping to exploit the width of Saint Louis FC. Ugo Okoli made a great defensive play from pressure in the 25th and drew a yellow as he was making his counter. In the 29th minute, winger Jimmy McLaughlin found himself just off the right post and took a shot that glanced off the top of the crossbar.
In the 33rd minute McLaughlin continued to find space and was taken down at the top of the box. Okoli stepped up a launched a dangers shot that went just wide. Another FC Cincinnati shot (37′) this time by midfielder Kenney Walker went wide left off a distribution from Cummings. The last 5 minutes saw some chances by Saint Louis FC including a shot by 9 goal scorer Irvin Herrera was blocked by Paul Nicholson. The half closed with FC Cincinnati leading 1-0.
Beautiful night for a beautiful game! pic.twitter.com/FlMUravgiN
— Legion ßupporter Club (@LegionCincy) July 10, 2016
The second began with much of the same with Cincinnati dictating play, but the attack of Saint Louis FC did have their moments. Right into the 2nd half, STLFC had an opportunity sending a shot to the right of Cincy keeper Mitch Hildebrandt. He parried it away, but a foul on the attackers led to a free kick away. Cummings kept up the pressure in the 57th minutes as he dribbled through 3 defenders and launched yet another chance on goal but was denied by Thompson.
In the 58th minute Cincinnati players Corben Bone and Pat McMahon were booked and the game began to get chippy thereafter. Substitute Austin Berry entered the match in the 61st for Harrison Delbridge and for the most part put in a solid performance. FCC nearly had their 2nd goal odd a 64th minute Bone freekick. Bone delivered a laser to the left post where STL keeper Thompson made a spectacular diving save to deny. Both the kick and the save were class.
Okoli had a short night being subbed out in the 66th minute for Andrew Wiedeman. Wiedeman dropped a little further into the midfield than Okoli and provided some much needed pressing help and an outlet for the FCC defense. Last weeks podcast guest Tom Gelehrter speculated that the substitution was made so that Okoli would not pick up the all important 5th yellow and be suspended for the next USL match vs. New York Red Bull II.
Very much like this sub. Okoli playing with 4 yellows. Can't lose him for NY Red Bulls II on 7/20. https://t.co/AhBgZUhuvD
— Tom Gelehrter (@Tommy_G) July 10, 2016
FC Cincinnati would get their final goal in the 78th minute from substitute Eric Stevenson (73′). Cummings shot the ball from the top arc and the ball was blocked by Thompson. The ball found its way to Stevenson who put the ball in for the eventual winner. However, Saint Louis FC would get one back in the 85th minute off a Schillo Tshuma strike. A STLFC ball was played across the goal mouth and inaction by centerback Paul Nicholson and the keeper Hildebrant let Tshuma take an easy goal. The final 6 minutes of stoppage saw one chance in the dying seconds. Thompson came up from his goalbox and nearly headed a tying goal in. Hildebrandt sent it out for a corner and the ensuing chance was cleared for full time. FCC was able to capitalize on the LouCity tie this afternoon and grabbed 2 points back in the Eastern Conference race.
FC Cincinnati may have had their most dominating game in terms of shots and possession, but could have had a more comfortable lead if not for Thompson. Forward Omar Cummings shined in his start and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this lineup again. With the addition of Cummings and Mohomed, the attack looked quicker and the added pace through off Saint Louis FC. The veteran Omar Cummings contributed in all sides of the game and is our MAN OF THE MATCH. We couldn’t agree more with these tweets.
GG Boys! 🔷🔶🔷🔶 #FCC #FCCincy pic.twitter.com/oxdXA2uIlX
— LayupBoyz (@LayupBoyz) July 10, 2016
Cummings is just oozing class out there. Could lead to a good playoff run. 2-0 #FCCincy
— Queen City Firm (@QueenCityFirm) July 10, 2016
Die Innenstadt Gives to Freestore Foodbank
On Saturday evening, members of the community joined FCC Supporters Group Die Innenstadt to host a food drive at Rhinehaus OTR. Here is a picture below with members of DI and some of what was raised. Glad to see the club is evolving off the field and in the community.
hope it's not too late. Had to put all the bins in @QueenCityDisco's living room. pic.twitter.com/rKEakcZPr7
— Die Innenstadt (@DieInnenstadt) July 10, 2016
Up Next: Crystal Palace FC – English Premier League – Friendly
On Saturday July 16th, FC Cincinnati will host Crystal Palace FC in their 2016 European Friendly. GM Jeff Berding has stated that FC Cincinnati expects between 32,000-35,000. CPFC is bringing a talented squad for their North American tour:
Alex McCarthy (England), Kleton Perntreou (Greece), Julian Speroni (Argentina); Jerome Binnom-Williams (England), Luke Croll (England), Scott Dann (England), Damien Delaney (Ireland), Zeki Fryers (England), Martin Kelly (England), Pape Souare (Senegal), James Tomkins (England), Joel Ward (England); Hiram Boateng (England), Yannick Bolasie (Congo), Mile Jedinak (Australia), Sullay Kaikai (England), Chung-yong Lee (South Korea), James McArthur (Scotland), Jordon Mutch (England), Jason Puncheon (England), Bakary Sako (Mali), Andros Townsend (England), Wilfried Zaha (England); Fraizer Campbell (England), Freddie Ladapo (England), Connor Wickham (England). See stars of the EPL and make sure to get your tickets now! This will be a memorable moment for our club.
@bryanjweigel for @cincysoccertalk
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