FCC gearing for a postseason run!

 

FC Cincinnati (FCC) is preparing for the postseason run as they head to the international break with one game left against Atlanta.

 

Saturday evening saw the good guys grab a 1-0 victory over the Messi-led Inter Miami CF. Alvaro Barreal grabbed the winning goal late in the second half with a laser after the goalie’s save rebounded directly to him.

 

Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to New York Red Bulls was really no big deal as most of the starters got their rest after clinching the Supporter’s Shield, the MLS award for the most points earned in the 2023 season and securing home field for the entire playoffs.

 

Saturday night win  for FCC in Miami

 

With last night’s loss, Miami was officially eliminated from the 2023 Audi MLS Cup playoffs.

MATIAS J. OCNERmocner@miamiherald.com

 

Here are some tidbits on the FCC win last night.

1. First time Cincinnati has defeated Miami on the road.
2. Their 7-3-7 (WLD) record added their name to the list of 21 teams in MLS history to lose three or fewer matches on the road.
3. This is FC Cincy’s fourth game-winning goal in the final 15 minutes of a match.
4. Roman Celentano and his defense grabbed the 12th clean sheet of  2023.

 

@fccincinnati @roman_413 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I PRESENT OUR 2023 HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS: ROMAN SKELANTANO 💙🧡💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/1VsyEja3fr

— Randy Spaulding (@spauldrs1977) October 1, 2023

 

Some FCC fans have a GREAT Halloween decoration for Roman Skelantano!

 

First half

 

Boy, did Miami come out strong last night. Three attempts hit woodwork as the hosts tried to grab an early lead. Here’s the first.

 

9' | Toto creates a chance early off the crossbar 😳🤯#MIAvCIN | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/aogoOmlhCU

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 7, 2023

 

 

Miami’s Tomas Aviles (Toto) had a great look at goal, but his right-footed attempt nails the crossbar. 

 

Then, about 12 minutes later, Josef Martinez’s left-footed attempt sails past Celentano and hits the right side of the goal!

 

22' | Josef takes a chance and it hits the post🤯#MIAvCIN | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/BbD0dWKnzP

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 8, 2023

 

Messi to the Rescue…again?

 

Cincinnati did not have to worry about Lionel Messi until the second half. Nursing a hamstring injury that has kept him out of Miami’s lineup since September 20th, Messi came on for Toto in the 55’. 

 

But by then the match was turning Cincy’s way. In the 50’ Cincinnati had two shots back to back, but couldn’t grab a goal.

50' Double chance for FCC. Arias takes a pass from Lucho and stings the hands of Callender with a drive. The rebound falls to Boupendza but his attempts to bundle past the Miami keeper is unsuccessful.

— Cincy Soccer Talk (@cincysoccertalk) October 8, 2023

 

 

But in the 78’ FCC got the only goal they would need.

 

Aaron Boupendza passed to Yuya Kubo, whose shot was saved by Miami goalkeeper, Drake Callendar, initially, but the rebound went right to Barreal who buried his shot into the twine!

 

INTER MIAMI LOSE 1ST GAME WITH MESSI

Despite 62% of teams qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs, Miami is out of the playoff race after losing one-nil to FC Cincinnati. #MIAvCIN pic.twitter.com/kAIQQhAtdr

— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) October 8, 2023

 

 

Both teams were pushing after that. But Celentano kept the Herons at bay. 

MATIAS J. OCNERmocner@miamiherald.com

 

Here was the last chance for some Messi magic, but his free kick sailed high.

 

Just over the top from messi🐐#Messi #Messi𓃵 #InterMiamiCF #MIAvCIN #Miami pic.twitter.com/y1jLfKDi8a

— DMN (@dmn7781) October 8, 2023

 

 

And with that miss, the game ended shortly after. Cincinnati’s amazing season continues while Miami’s ends.

 

FCC got some revenge for their ouster in the US Open Cup by Messi and Miami. They are sending Messi and the club home for the long wait until February.

 

If you have six plus minutes, watch the MLS.com highlights recap! It’s always great stuff!..

 

STATS (for you fellow geeks, like me!)

MIA CIN

61.6 Possession% 38.4

16     Shots              13

2       SOG                 6

85.2 Passing%       77.5

8       Corners           5

12      Fouls              14

5        Saves               2

 

Next game

Cincinnati hosts Atlanta United in their last home match before the playoffs on Saturday, October 21st. This is the date MLS calls “Decision Day,” as all MLS teams vie for those last spots or to move ahead in the table.

 

Tickets, if available, are here at Seatgeek.com. But better hurry. With the Reds finished and who knows where the Bengals will be, they may be gone quickly!

 

Thanks to the Miami Herald for the fantastic photos by Matias J. Ocner. A great soccer photographer!