FC Cincinnati took a trip to BMO Field for some midweek action against Toronto FC. They bested their opponents, 1-0.
FIRST HALF
Prior to kickoff, it was assumed that Noonan would rest most of the lineup. But aside from injury scratches, key starters like Kévin Denkey, Evander, Pavel Bucha, and Miles Robinson were kept in.
Early on, both sides were attempting to get a grasp on the ball. Toronto would do so, but not to any benefit. It was Cincinnati who was going forward in those early, fleeting glimpses of the first half.
18’ GOAL: An interception from Yedlin, which many in Toronto saw as a foul, started a breakaway for Cincinnati. . More individual brilliance for Cincinnati, as Denkey scores another type of goal—one set up on his own like a playmaker. Denkey began on the right flank, dribbled through the Toronto defense in the box, and curled a shot into the top left corner
It was a very physical first half, but referee Jair Marrufo wasn’t quick to the whistle as he preferred to let both sides play on.
30’ SHOT: With 15 minutes still to go before the break, Evander, who had been forced to drop deep in possession, unfurled one just outside of the box—but it was blocked away for a corner.
42’ SHOT: Bucha’s low cross found Evander in the center of the box for a shot that appeared to be goal-bound, but it, too, was blocked away.
Toronto was bereft of clear-cut chances aside from a lone header attempt from Ola Brynhildsen and a long attempt from Bernardeschi that was deflected. A well-hit volley from Alonso Coello in stoppage time was parried away by Celentano, who faced their first shot on target.
At the blow of the whistle, Cincinnati went into the locker room with a 1-0 lead that hardly looked challenged. Each side had a single shot on target.
SECOND HALF
A promising spell of possession for Cincinnati—a minute after the break—would culminate in a half volley from Evander that forced Sean Johnson to send it over the bar. Just seconds later, a dipping volley from Gilberto Flores required more of Johnson.
48’ SHOT: A counterattack for Toronto produced a Bernardeschi shot that deflected into Celentano’s gloves. Another half-attempt for Toronto, who had yet to trouble Cincinnati’s goal.
Some key starters were, as expected, subbed off in the 58th: Denkey for Sergio Santos and Evander for Yuya Kubo, as Noonan keeps them hot for Hell is Real this weekend. Brad Smith also made way for Lukas Engel.
66’ SHOT: Another quick attack from Cincinnati found the feet of Kubo, whose one-two attempts from close range were denied by Johnson.
Toronto would also make a trio of attacking reinforcements, as their Italian duo were replaced. This made them look more sprung going forward, but it wouldn’t be enough. For the last 20 minutes or so, Cincinnati was content with sitting back, absorbing their opponent’s attempts.
82’ SHOT: A rather tame effort from Dado Valenzuela was handled by Johnson, who made his 6th save of the night.
Kei Kamara would sub on for Dado in the 84th minute to make his debut for FC Cincinnati, though there was nothing noteworthy for the rest of the match
Toronto falls further down the East in 14th place, just three points off from last-place CF Montréal—who drew 1-1 with the Columbus Crew.
Cincinnati leaves Central Canada with three points, enough to keep them firmly in the race for the Supporters’ Shield. They await themeeting with Columbus in the Hell is Real Derby on Saturday.
Quick Recap
Lineups:
TFC: Sean Johnson, Raoul Petretta (Kobe Franklin 19’ who was subbed off for Lazar Stefanovic in 36’), Sigurd Rosted, Kevin Long, Kosi Thompson, Deybi Flores, Alonso Coello, Theo Corbeanu, Lorenzo Insigne (Maxime Dominguez 69’), Federico Bernardeschi (Tyrese Spicer 69’), Ola Brynhildsen (Derrick Etienne 69’)
Substitutes not used: Luka Gavran, Zane Monlouis, Markus Cimermancic, Matthew Longstaff
CIN: Roman Celentano, Brad Smith (Lukas Engel 59’), Teenage Hadebe (Alvas Powell 77’), Miles Robinson, Gilberto Flores, DeAndre Yedlin, Brian Anunga, Pavel Bucha, Evander (Yuya Kubo 59’), Kévin Denkey (Sergio Santos 59’), Gerardo Valenzuela (Kei Kamara 84’)
Substitutes not used: Evan Louro, Nick Hagglund, Obinna Nwobodo, Corey Baird
Scoring Summary:
Toronto FC: N/A
FC Cincinnati: Denkey 18’
Discipline:
Federico Bernardeschi – (Yellow Card, 19’)
Gilberto Flores – (Yellow Card, 24’)
Evander – (Yellow Card, 32’)
Lukas Engel – (Yellow Card, 90’)
NEXT MATCH
MLS Regular Season: vs. Columbus Crew, May 17, 7:15pm, Apple TV – MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+, FS1, FOX Deportes
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