FC Cincinnati got a much needed 3 points in their playoff chase with a 4-2 over New York Red Bulls 2
Matchday #28: FC Cincinnati 4 vs New York Red Bulls II 2
Nippert Stadium – Attendance: 30,417- USL All-Time Record
Heading into Saturday night, FC Cincinnati had been sputtering with less than stellar performances in back to back matches. It didn’t take long for the Orange & Blue to pump some life into the USL record crowd of 30,417 when captain Austin Berry headed a 5th minute corner kick into the top right corner of the goal.
After some back and forth play, the Red Bull’s were able to net an equalizer when Florian Valot hit a skipping ball through the box after a corner past the outstretched arms of Mitch Hildebrandt.
One of the main stories of the match was FC Cincinnati’s ability to put away chances in style when it counted. After welcoming his new child into the world, Corben Bone was able to continue his great week with a clinical finish in the 32nd minute. The midfielder had one of his best games in the Orange & Blue as he was able to whip a shot from range to put the home team on top for the rest of the match.
When both teams came back from their halftime break, FC Cincinnati had to make a surprise change taking off Berry in favor of Paul Nicholson. Berry took a spill just before half and when viewed on the bench seems to have his ankle in a wrap. After the match, Berry did have his cleats on but we’ll need to monitor the situation heading into next week. After the Cincinnati native was taken off, the back 3 did not look as sound as the first 45.
With 3 points in the balance, CB Harrison Delbridge iced the match in the 67th minute with a tremendous goal that could go down as the goal of the year for the club. The Aussie showed shades of attacking prowess with some great ball movement darting between 2 NYRB defenders and rifling a left footed shot into the top left corner that would challenge most goalkeepers in soccer.
Shortly after Jimmy McLaughlin drew a great hustle foul just outside the box. After some contentious discussion between Delbridge, Wiedeman, and Kenney Walker, Walker stepped up and hit a blast curling away from the Red Bull keeper and into the net for a 4th FCC goal.
After the 4th goal Coach Koch seemed content to have his team drop back and defend for the final 18 minutes. Valot was able to get a 2nd for the away team but the FCC defense was able to prevail for the 4-2 victory.
The win gets the Orange & Blue to 39 points and in 6th place, 3 clear of Orlando City B in 8th.
WATCH: Full time highlights and recap from the booth. #FCCINCY 4⁰#NYRBII 2#CINvNY pic.twitter.com/k0LEYJP9n2
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 17, 2017
3 Thoughts
Midfield Duo- Saturday night’s performance was one of the best in FC Cincinnati’s short history and was highlighted by the play of Corben Bone and Kenney Walker. The 2nd year veterans of the club showed why their presence is critical if FCC is able to challenge in September and October. The duo controlled the tempo of the game and was great in releasing the counter-attack. They always seemed to be in the right place at the right time and more importantly had the pulse of their teammates.
4- The number of matches left and they are all away from the friendly confines of Nippert Stadium. The Orange & Blue have suffered away from home picking up 2 wins and 7 of their 9 losses. Fortunately for them, they have fared well against these 4 teams so far the season. They knocked off 11th place Saint Louis FC twice, last place Toronto FC2 once, and claimed a weeknight 3-1 victory over Ottawa recently. On paper, their most challenging match should be against 4th place Charlotte who drew FCC earlier this season.
Still No Shutout- The offense was the star of the show behind clinical finishing from a number of players but the team is still conceding goals and putting Mitch in tough places too often. Even more of an issue could be the absence of Austin Berry if his first-half injury keeps him out for an extended period of time. Coach Koch has some work to do with the clubs last shutout coming nearly 2 months ago. Paul Nicholson came into the match and could see some more time but a likely scenario could see Justin Hoyte move back to center back with the return of Josu or Tyler Polak to the lineup.
Box Score
FC Cincinnati Starting XI (3-4-3): Hildebrandt (GK), (L-R) Delbridge, de Wit, Berry (45′); Hoyte, Bone, K. Walker, Bahner; McLoughlin, Djiby (55′), Wiedeman (88′)
Subs: Jaye (GK), Nicholson (45′), Konig (55′), Dacres, Greig (88′), Josu, Schindler
New York Red Bulls II Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Diaz (GK); Najem, Powder (86′), Ndam, Scarlett; Tinari (75′), Flemmings; Metzger, Besecourt, Valot (86′); Bonomo
Subs: Louro (GK), Baah (86′), Kutler, Schmoll, Basuljevic, Lewis (86′), Martinez (75′)
Goal Summary:
5’ Berry (CIN)
18’ Vallot (NY)
32’ Bone (CIN)
67’ Delbridge (CIN)
72’ Walker (CIN)
80’ Valot (NY)
Discipline:
9′ Berry (CIN)
14′ Fall (CIN)
23′ Wiedeman (CIN)
26′ Bahner (CIN)
73’ Delbridge (CIN)
76’ Bone (CIN)
80’ Baah (NY)
Next Up:
Saturday 9/23 – at Saint Louis FC – 8:30 p.m. EST – St. Louis, MO
@bradleysweigel for @CincySoccerTalk
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