Killer instinct unlocked as FC Cincinnati overcome Nashville SC late
Damon Gumbert
363 minutes. That’s how long it had been since FC Cincinnati scored in TQL Stadium. That match was a 1-2 loss against Guadalajara in a meaningless Leagues Cup matchup after FC Cincinnati had all but been eliminated from the competition. 363 minutes had passed since the once-powerful Fortress that is TQL Stadium and The Bailey had seen their team successful in an attack.
Yes, FC Cincinnati had scored goals since then, but not in their home stadium in front of their home fans. After three straight home performances ending in 0-1 losses, there was a nervousness and anxiousness surrounding the club. Did they have what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs and contend for the MLS Cup? Or was that a pipe dream like the Supporter’s Shield had become for most fans?
In the weeks leading up to this match, Chris Albright had been asked about the expectations of the club and if Pat Noonan was the right person to lead them going forward. “Pat is a Coach of the Year for a reason,” Albright explained. “And he’s an excellent coach and he’s the right guy to lead us now and in the future.”
Albright had put a lot of effort, and even more of the club’s money, into bringing in talent during the summer transfer window, but the question persisted on whether talent, which everyone knows the club has a lot of, was enough to push for trophies.
The GM brought back Brazilian striker Brenner, who scored 18 goals for the team in 2022, despite having a falling out with him prior to his sale in 2023. That was supposed to kick-start an offense that has been firmly middle of the pack in terms of scoring this season. Brenner even started the first match after he returned to the club, but that match ended in a 0-1 loss.
Two weeks later, following an international break that saw striker Kevin Denkey leave and play for the Togolese National Team, Brenner started again, but this time beside Ayoub Jabarri, another new addition to the team. The offense again looked out of sorts and was unable to move the ball up the pitch, an ongoing problem for the team.
The best chance the Orange and Blue had in the first half came from Brenner, who sailed a wide-open shot over the crossbar from directly in front of the goal. The 25-year-old fell to with his hands over his face, knowing that he missed the best and likely easiest chance he would get.
Both clubs went into half-time goalless, though it felt worse for FC Cincinnati. They still had Denkey on the bench and brought him on as the second half began, as well as MVP candidate Evander, but the vibes were not great at the start of the second half. Vibes did not get better when Denkey, off a feed from Brenner, also sent an easy shot sailing over the crossbar.
363 minutes between goals at TQL Stadium. Over six hours of futbal had occurred since the last time FC Cincinnati scored in front of their fans. The eruption from the crowd when Evander threaded a lead pass to the feet of Brenner and the striker sent the ball into the back of the net was electric.
So electric in fact that Brenner immediately shed his shirt in celebration, earning him a yellow card from the referees. “Shalala” rang out for the first time in over a month. Brenner, 918 days after his last goal for the team, received a plethora of love from the crowd.
The jovial, easy feeling lasted approximately six minutes. Lukas Engel came up lame and limped off the field, moments later being joined by Matt Miazga. Alvas Powell replaced Dominik Marczuk, and Teenage Hadebe came in for Miazga, with Engel eventually coming back onto the pitch. Two minutes later, Brian Anunga also came off the field after pulling up with cramps, being replaced by newcomer Samuel Gidi. The sudden confusion and movement on defense allowed Sam Surridge to easily sneak through the defense and beat Evan Louro to even the match at 1-1.
With eight minutes of stoppage time, The FC showed more urgency than they have in similar situations this season. Ender Echenique replaced Engel, sliding in at right wingback and moving Powell to centerback. The addition of Echenique added a much-needed burst of speed and ball control that had not been on the pitch before. The game looked destined to end in a draw, thanks to wonderful work from Nashville’s centerbacks.
That was until Echenique, who had worked his way up the right side of the pitch, receiving a long switch from, played the ball into the box and to Pavel Bucha. Bucha fought off a Nashville defender and laid the ball off for Echenique, who took a single touch before passing the ball off to a waiting Evander, who sent the ball flying into the top of the net in the dying embers of the match.
The last time FC Cincinnati won a match at TQL Stadium was July 31 against Monterrey. “Mr. Brightside” rang through the stadium as the players and fans alike celebrated a relieving victory.
“I’m happy for the players,” Head Coach Pat Noonan said, despite sporting a face that did not show happiness. “I’m happy for the fans that we got to experience a much-needed win tonight on this field.”
On if this win, and their place in the Eastern Conference, has added any motivation for the team, Noonan shrugged off the question. “We shouldn’t need any motivation at this point.”
Motivation may not be what the team needed, but they certainly have it. Both Philadelphia and San Diego lost on Saturday, shrinking the deficit in the Supporter’s Shield race. That being said, three other teams have entered the running. Vancouver, which destroyed the Union 7-0, sits at 52 points. Charlotte FC, who beat Inter Miami 3-0, are at 53 points. Minnesota United secured a 3-1 win over San Diego and sits at 54 points. Cincinnati is then at 55, San Diego at 56, and Philadelphia leading the chase at 57 points.
Philadelphia has a US Open Cup matchup with Nashville on Tuesday and ends the season with games against NYCFC and Charlotte. San Diego takes on the San Jose Earthquakes and then has a matchup in Portland on Decision Day.
With four games left in the season, FCC will need help, but it has a relatively weak schedule going forward.FC Cincinnati will turn its attention now to the LA Galaxy ahead of their trip out west next week. The Galaxy, reigning MLS Cup champions, are currently leading the Wooden Spoon race to the bottom. They will then return home to take on the only playoff team they will see the rest of the year, in Orlando City. The Garys finish the season with matches against RBNY and CF Montreal, who sit in second place in the Wooden Spoon chase.
For now, Cincinnati, both fans and team, can breathe a sigh of relief after clinching a playoff spot in the 2-1 victory.
*All photos are courtesy of FC Cincinnati
