2017 Match Reports

Match Report: FC Cincinnati at Louisville City FC

Matchday #19: FC Cincinnati at Louisville City FC

Louisville Slugger Stadium – Attendance: 11,632


The Bailey and FC Cincinnati supporters everywhere will be celebrating this one for quite a while. Hundreds of Orange & Blue faithful made the trek down I-71 and were not disappointed with the clubs result.

Things may have ended well, but the start was a tad shaky. In the 8th minute, the hosts were awarded an unfortunate PK after a Harrison Delbridge handball in the box. The Aussie, in his return from injury, left his feet for a tackle and the ball struck his outstretched arm. A “Panenka” by LouCity striker Ilija Ilic got the home team on the board.

FC Cincinnati would strike back in the 16th minute off an initial Louisville miscue. A cross was played into the LCFC keeper Greg Ranjitsingh in what seemed to be an easy collection. The keeper fumbled the ball out to FCC Forward Djiby and the Senegalese striker put a sure right foot on the ball to equalize the game at 1-1.

Starting left back Tyler Polak had to be removed in the 30th after a tackle from behind from LouCity defender & Cincinnati native Kyle Smith. Midseason signing Josu was brought on to cover his left back role and proved to be a HUGE boost for the visitors.

The Spaniard was called into action in the 33rd minute as LCFC forward Brian Ownby chipped Hildebrandt. Josu cleared what would’ve been a sure goal for LCFC off the line, which changed the momentum and saved the game for the Orange & Blue.

After the match was locked up 1-1 at the half, FCC withstood some pressure but was the first to break the tie. Josu sent in a wonderful in-swing corner in the 55th minute that met the head of Harrison Delbridge. The Aussie drove it home and the air was sucked out of Slugger Field as FCC led 2-1.

Super-signing Danni Konig took the field in the 76th minute and in less than 60 seconds, capitalized on a deflected shot from Andrew Wiedeman. The initial shot was set up from a great cross by Josu. Konig’s goal ended up being HUGE to put some space between FCC and Louisville at 3-1.

In stoppage time, FCC conceded a late own-goal to bring LCFC a little closer at 3-2. However, too-little too-late as the final whistle blew before any additional chances could be had.

These 3 points were huge as the gap between 3rd & 6th dropped to just 3 points. This road win will be looked back on as a huge turning point if FC Cincinnati can mount a 2nd half charge toward the top of the table in the USL Eastern Conference.


3 Things to Know

Josu – When Tyler Polak went down with an injury, the FCC faithful held their breath, but Josu proved to be the difference maker in this match. He provided an assist on the corner and the “hockey assist” on Konig’s goal. Josu can play and confidence should be had at the left back position regardless of Tyler Polak’s absence.

Ownby – Brian Ownby caused a massive headache for the FCC back line. Mitch did well to keep an FCC advantage as play went on, but it seemed clear Louisville had a talented play creator. Every time Ownby was in the final third Cincinnati seemed to be susceptible to giving up a goal, however, they managed to keep it together.

Style of Play – FC Cincinnati has formed a habit of capitalizing on the counter and the sparse amount of chances allotted them through each match. We had become used to Alan Koch employing a style of play that was designed to garner possession, but with the recent success in the Open Cup of a three man back line we have seen a change in priorities on the field and overall it has resulted in success.


Box Score

FC Cincinnati Starting XI (3-4-3): Hildebrandt (GK), Berry, Hoyte, Delbridge; Bahner, Bone, Walker, Polak(30′), McLaughlin(69′), Djiby(76′), Wiedeman.

Subs: Josu (30′), Quinn(69′), Konig (76′)

Louisville City FC Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ranjitsingh (GK), Morad, Reynolds, Craig, Smith Abend, Delpiccolo, Ballard, Ownby, Davis (69′), Ilic (69′).

Subs: Spencer (69′), Lancaster (69′)

Scoring: 

8′ – LCFC- Ilija Ilic
16′ – FC Cincinnati- Djiby Fall
55′ – FC Cincinnati- Harrison Delbridge (Josu)
77′ – FC Cincinnati- Danni Konig
90’+3′ – LCFC- Wiedeman (Own Goal)


Player Ratings

Make sure to vote on the performances of your favorite FC Cincinnati players. Go to our story or you can VOTE HERE.


Next Up:

Saturday 7/22 vs Harrisburg City Islanders att Nippert Stadium 7:00 P.M.


@ShutUpYosief for @CincySoccerTalk

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