The latest chapter of the Hell is Real derby delivered all the thrills and spills we’ve come to expect. On Saturday night at Lower.com Field, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew battled to a 1-1 draw in a match that had early fireworks, midfield duels, and A LOT of drama.
Denkey’s Early Delight
FC Cincinnati wasted no time making their mark. In the sixth minute, Luca Orellano surged down the right flank, delivering a cross that found Sergio Santos. After a deflection, Evander executed an acrobatic overhead kick, setting up Kévin Denkey, who calmly slotted the ball past Patrick Schulte. This goal marked Denkey’s 10th in just 17 appearances, making him the fastest player in club history to reach double digits.
Midfield Missteps and Crew’s Response
Despite the early lead, Cincinnati struggled to maintain control in the midfield. Turnovers and miscommunications allowed Columbus to gain momentum. The Crew capitalized in the 54th minute when Diego Rossi converted a penalty kick following a handball by Nick Hagglund inside the box.
Celentano’s Heroics Preserve the Draw
Columbus pressed for a winner, dominating possession with 68.3% and outshooting Cincinnati 16 to 10. However, Roman Celentano stood tall, making five crucial saves, including a diving stop on a Jacen Russell-Rowe header in the 73rd minute, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.
What Did We Learn?
Kévin Denkey continues to be a revelation for FC Cincinnati, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. However, the midfield needs to tighten up to prevent opponents from capitalizing on turnovers. Columbus demonstrated resilience, with Diego Rossi stepping up in crucial moments.
What’s Next?
FC Cincinnati will look to bounce back when they face Atlanta United on May 25th. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew will aim to build on this performance as they continue their campaign.
Match Summary
Goals:
CIN – Kévin Denkey (Evander) 6’
CLB – Diego Rossi (Penalty) 54’
Possession:
CLB – 68.3%
CIN – 31.7%
Shots:
CLB – 16 (6 on target)
CIN – 10 (3 on target)
Saves:
CLB – Patrick Schulte (2)
CIN – Roman Celentano (5)
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