Matchday #10 FC Cincinnati vs. Bethlehem Steel FC
Nippert Stadium – Attendance: 18,441
FC Cincinnati avoided a sweep from Bethlehem by winning late at home on a rainy night. The storms held off for most the match, and fans were able to enjoy a full 90 minutes before a break in play. Newly acquired Forward Danni Konig wasted no time showing his worth in this match.
The first bit of action came in minute fourteen. It all started with Corben Bone’s cross in from the wing. The ball deflected up off a Bethlehem defender and fell right in front of the goal. Konig was there waiting. He pushed the keeper a bit backwards, heading the ball into the net. The official felt that Konig had gone a bit too far, however, and nullified the early goal.
Konig rectified the situation very soon after with one that counted. A few minutes later, in the 17th, Jimmy McLaughin crossed the ball into the middle from the left side. The ball was served right in front of the net and Konig jumped up and went horizontal. The ball landed perfectly and Steel’s keeper could not get to Konig in time. The header landed in the right side of the net and Konig celebrated his first ever FC Cincinnati goal with his new teammates. Konig has not spent much time in practice with FC Cincinnati players but it did not show with such a perfectly timed and well executed play.
Steel FC responded by raising the pace in the their play. That pace paid off in minute 33 when they pressed the FC Cincinnati defense into making an error. Harrison Delbridge was forced to kick a ball back across the field. It was unable to be controlled, falling out for a Steel throw-in. The Steel throw-in was quickly intercepted by Aodhan Quinn. Quinn cuts the ball through the box, where he meets Steel defender Conneh and they both go down after getting tripped up. The official felt Conneh was the least guilty party and awarded the penalty kick to Bethlehem. Conneh took the shot, and the scoreline was tied at 1-1
At the half, fans were warned of storms headed into Cincinnati. The game continued with hope the rain would hold off for a bit longer.
Bethlehem Steel FC continued to threaten in the second half taking one more shot overall than the home team. The only second half shot that mattered once again came from Cincinnati’s Konig. Eight minutes after halftime, Dacres crossed a ball in front of the Bailey into Konig. The defender Roberts made an error diving for the pass and missed it. Konig was left open, took his shot, and earned a brace.
Cincinnati finished the full ninety minutes holding onto the 2-1 lead. Right as the official signaled four minutes of extra time, the game was stopped for lighting in the area. Five minutes later the rain hit Nippert and did not let up. Fans waited around till 10:45, when the game was finally called a win for FC Cincinnati.
Box Score
FC Cincinnati Starting XI (4-3-3): Hildebrandt (GK); (R-L) Bahner, Berry, Delbridge, Polak; Quinn, Bone, Fordyce (81′); Dacres, König, McLaughlin
Subs: Jaye (GK), McMahon, Dominguez, Martinez, Nicholson, Cummings, Wiedeman (81’+)
Bethlehem Steel FC Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Mcguire (GK); Real, Tribbett, Roberts, Mahoney; Chambers, Wingate (58′); Nanco (67′), Burke, Moar; Conneh (82′)
Subs: Freese (GK), Reymann, Heard (58’+), Samuel (67’+), Brown (82’+)
Scoring
18′ – FC Cincinnati – Danni Konig, (McLaughlin)
33′ – Bethlehem Steel FC, Seku Conneh, (PK)
52′ – FC Cincinnati – Danni Konig, (Dacres)
Player Ratings
Rate the performance of your favorite FC Cincinnati player. On Tuesday all ratings will be tabulated and official grades will be given.
Three Things
Lineup: Alan Koch rolled out the same starting eleven that he used against Orlando City B. This is the first match all season that Koch had not rotated a new player in. Several players including Dacres, and Delbridge played a full game with extra time on Wednesday. The consistency worked out as two goals were scored at home .
Danni König: Many FC Cincinnati fans were critical of the Konig loan after the Orlando City B loss. Konig almost had a hat trick in this match. Has FC Cincinnati found their goal scorer while Djiby is suspended? We will be watching this transaction very closely.
Let-em play: This match was officiated very well compared to the last few in Cincinnati. The referee did not stop play often and only carded the more serious fouls. Both teams stayed civil and it made for an enjoyable match.
Next Up:
Saturday 5/27 – vs. Toronto FC II – 5 p.m. EST – Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.
@BostonKeith for @CincySoccerTalk
