Match Summary
Following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Toronto FC 2, FC Cincinnati 2 looked to bounce back against New England Revolution 2. Despite an improved defensive structure and a strong first-half performance, FCC 2 ultimately fell 2-0 after conceding two quick goals in the second half.
The match remained level for over an hour, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough. FCC 2 created some promising chances, but New England’s goalkeeper, JD Gunn, made several key saves to deny them. The deadlock was finally broken in the 69th minute when Hutchinson finished off a well-worked move, placing the ball out of reach of Nathan Crockford. Just three minutes later, Marcos Dias doubled New England’s lead, sealing the win for the home side.
Despite the result, there were positive takeaways for FCC 2. Their pressing looked more structured than in the previous match, and several players put in strong individual performances. However, the lack of cutting edge in the final third remains an area of concern for Tyrone Marshall’s side as they seek to find their first win of the season.
Notable Events
1’ – Kickoff.
25’ – Dangerous free kick for New England just outside the box. Nathan Crockford makes a great diving save to push it away from goal.
29’ – Kenji Mboma Dem takes an outside-footed shot from a tight angle, forcing a save from JD Gunn. Yorkaeff Caicedo tries to collect the rebound but is beaten by a defender.
35’ – Carson Locker, an FCC 2 debutant, makes a fantastic block inside the box to deny a close-range shot.
37’ – Nick Hagglund intercepts a dangerous cross, preventing a clear-cut chance for New England.
38’ – FCC 2 counter attacks immediately after Hagglund’s interception. Stefan Chirila delivers a pinpoint cross to Mboma Dem, whose header is saved by Gunn and put out for a corner.
42’ – Crockford reacts quickly to save a half-volley from Marcos Dias outside the box.
66’ – One-on-one chance for New England, but Crockford makes a crucial stop to keep the score level.
68’ – Caicedo attempts a long-range shot on a counterattack, but it drifts wide of the goal.
69’ – Mboma Dem takes a shot inside the box, but Gunn makes a diving save to deny him. Ademar Chavez nearly gets on the rebound, but New England clears.
72’ – Hutchinson receives a pass out wide, cuts inside, and scores past Crockford to make it 1-0 for New England.
75’ – Marcos Dias capitalizes on FCC 2’s unsettled defense, slotting home the second goal. 2-0 New England.
79’ – Stefan Chirila takes a free kick that beats the goalkeeper but rattles off the woodwork.
85’ – Chirila takes another free kick from 40 yards, forcing Gunn to tip it over the bar. FCC 2’s subsequent corner leads to nothing.
87’ – Mboma Dem tracks back and makes a perfectly timed tackle inside the defensive box on goal-scorer Hutchinson.
94’ – In frustration, Mboma Dem commits a late foul and receives a yellow card.
Player Standouts and Notes
Carson Locker – A tireless performer who gave everything for the team. His confidence and aggression in midfield were evident, and he played a key role in FCC 2’s buildup play.
Nathan Crockford – Showed impressive composure on the ball and distributed effectively with several line-breaking passes. He was fearless coming off his line and made multiple key saves to keep FCC 2 in the match.
Stefan Chirila – Once again demonstrated his technical ability and vision. He dropped deep to link play and created FCC 2’s most dangerous chances, including a free kick that hit the woodwork.
Brian Schaefer – Physically dominant at the back, he challenged opponents aggressively and won key duels. His presence was a bright spot in FCC 2’s defensive efforts.
Takeaways
FCC 2’s press looked more structured and organized compared to their opening match, which is a promising sign going forward. However, their struggles in the final third persisted, as they were unable to convert their chances into goals.
The match was highly competitive, especially in the first 20 minutes, as neither side could break the other down. It was an evenly matched contest for much of the game, but FCC 2 ultimately lacked the sharpness in attack needed to capitalize on their opportunities.
With two losses to start the season, FCC 2 will need to regroup and find ways to turn their strong defensive displays into positive results in the upcoming fixtures.
LINEUPS
NE: John David Gunn, Damario McIntosh (Joseph Buck 72’), Victor Souza (C), Keegan Hughes, Hesron Barry (Gabriel Dahlin 46’), Alex Monis, Eric Klein, Allan Oyirwoth (Cristiano Oliveira 63’), Gevork Diarbian (Olger Escobar 72’), Liam Butts (Damorney Hutchinson 63’), Marcos Dias
Substitutes not used: Maxwell Weinstein, Javaun Mussenden
Head Coach: Richie Williams
CIN: Nathan Crockford, Nick Hagglund (Noah Adnan 61’), Brian Schaefer, Andrei Chirila, Yorkaeff Caicedo (Will Kuisel 72’), Carson Locker (Xhosa Manyana 77’), Peter Mangione (C), Dilan Hurtado (Ademar Chavez 61’), Monsuru Opeyemi, Kenji Mboma Dem, Stefan Chirila
Substitutes not used: Slade Hall, Juan Machado, Connor Stout
Head Coach: Tyrone Marshall
STATS SUMMARY: NE/CIN
Shots: 10 / 7
Shots on Goal: 5 / 4
Saves: 4 / 3
Corner Kicks: 3 / 3
Fouls: 13 / 13
Offside: 0 / 1
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
NE: Hesron Barry (Yellow Card) 30’
CIN: Dilan Hurtado (Yellow Card) 36’
CIN: Kenji Mboma Dem (Yellow Card) 90’+4
OFFICIALS
Referee: Rogelio Alvarez
Ast. Referees: Tom Felice, Eric Schreiber
Fourth Official: Kyle Averill
Next up
FCC 2’s next match is in the U.S. open cup and will be against the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms at Northern Kentucky University Stadium at 7:30 PM on March 20.
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