FC Cincinnati outlasts Red Bulls to advance in MLS Cup Playoffs

FC Cincinnati’s quest of capturing a first MLS Cup in club history continued Saturday night with the Supporters’ Shield winners advancing in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Pat Noonan’s squad outlasted the New York Red Bulls 8-7 in a 10-round penalty shootout in Harrison, New Jersey. The teams were level 1-1 after 90 minutes before Serge Ngoma and Andres Reyes failed to score on their spot kicks.

The result came at a cost though as FC Cincy defender Matt Miazga will miss the semifinal round though due to suspension. Striker Dominique Badji and midfielder Obinna Nwobodo also limped off with respective injuries.

“It took its toll on us,” Noonan said. “We have to see how Dom and Obi come out of this, but there’s concerns there. And you know, Matt’s suspended for the next game and that shouldn’t happen. So hopefully we get some good news on the injuries and we can have a strong and as healthy of a group as possible going into the next round.”

“…Matt knows better, we shouldn’t be missing him for the next round, as simple as that,” Noonan added.”

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Tom Barlow boosted the Red Bulls in front before halftime after the forward slotted home in the FC Cincy box. Frankie Amaya’s shot was blocked in the 45th minute but Barlow arrived to slam home the rebound for a 1-0 Red Bulls lead.

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FC Cincinnati fought back to tie things up 1-1 in the 75th minute through Aaron Boupendza’s equalizer. Lucho Acosta’s through ball pass allowed Boupendza the opportunity to drill a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner.

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Sergio Santos thought he had delivered the winning goal for FC Cincy in the 98th minute but VAR waived off the goal due to a foul in the build-up play.

A shootout was needed to decide a winner and it came with plenty of drama…

Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2023/11/fc-cincinnati-outlasts-red-bulls-to-advance-in-mls-cup-playoffs

Author : Larry Henry Jr

Publish date : 2023-11-05 14:46:59

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