For a third straight year, FC Cincinnati makes its debut in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, this time against O&M FC. After 90 minutes of play the Orange and Blue walk away with a 4-0 win.
First Half
The match opened without thrill or buzz. There was next no atmosphere in the stands for O&M FC’s CCC debut. The play on the pitch mirrored that energy. FCC enjoyed a fair bit of the possession, but the chances just weren’t coming to fruition. However, FCC capitalized on their first real chance. In the 12th minute, Kévin Denkey collected the ball in a congested box. Denkey turned and shot, but it was immediately blocked. The ball fell to Tom Barlow who made easy work depositing it in the back of the net.
Denkey was able to net his own goal in the 33rd minute when he uncorked a shot from outside the box. The ball stayed low to the ground and slit the legs of the O&M keeper Omry Bello. Leading the possession battle 70 to 30, FCC comfortably carried the 2-0 advantage into the lockers at the half.
Second Half
Pat Noonan made substitutions at the halftime break, bringing off Miles Robinson and Bryan Ramirez. It wouldn’t be long before he made additional substitutions, bringing off Evander and Denkey in the 60th minute.
Ayoub Jabbari made the most of the remaining minutes of the match. After failing a penalty kick attempt that he helped earn, Jabbari set the goal differential on fire. In the 85th minute, Jabbari made a run off a Obinna Nwobodo hard charge up the pitch. Nwobodo played him forward and Jabbari ripped a climbing shot beating Bello to the near post. Jabbari grabbed another before the final whistle with a great collect and shoot in space eight yards from goal.
Ultimately FCC took care of business and gained a healthy 4-0 road victory in the first leg of the round. The return leg will be next Wednesday, February 25th in TQL Stadium. FCC will open league play at home this Saturday February 21st against Atlanta United.
Quick Summary
Scoring:
FCC – 12′ Barlow, 33′ Denkey, 85′ Jabbari, 90+2′ Jabbari
O&M – none
Lineups:
CIN: Roman Celentano, Bryan Ramirez (Kenji Mboma Dem 46’), Andrei Chirila, Miles Robinson (C) (Alvas Powell 46’), Gilberto Flores, Kyle Smith, Tah Brian Anunga, Obinna Nwobodo, Evander (Gerardo Valenzuela 60’), Tom Barlow (Stiven Jimenez 81’), Kévin Denkey (Ayoub Jabbari 60’)
Substitutes not used: Evan Louro, Bryan Dowd, Nick Hagglund, Samuel Gidi, Teenage Hadebe, Stefan Chirila, Pavel Bucha
OYM: Omry Bello, Angel Melo (C), Julen Olasagasti, Reyvin De La Rosa, Jon Trincado, Emmanuel Cuello (Isaac Baez 63’), Anyelo Gomez, Sergio Paredes (Julen Manterola 32’), Gabriel Castillo, Josue Baez, Ronaldiño Caicedo (Hector Ramirez 81’)
Substitutes not used: Iraitz Gelbentzu, Gerald Villar, Alexander Romero, Simon Cuello, Sergio Abreu, Jose Matos, Luis Sabala, Ricardo Sanchez, Victor Villar
Misconduct:
CIN – Obinna Nwobodo (Yellow Card) 38’
OYM – Jon Trincado (Yellow Card) 59’
CIN – Andrei Chirila (Yellow Card) 68’
OYM – Omry Bello (Yellow Card) 81’
Next Match:
MLS Regular Season: vs Atlanta United, 4:45 Saturday February 21; Apple TV / FOX
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