FC Cincinnati hosted Inter Miami, who was on a 3-game losing streak heading into the day. Inter historically has won more games between the two, winning the first four matches, including the very first game played in TQL Stadium. But since FCC’s 3-1 win in TQL last season, FCC hasn’t lost to Inter. And thanks to a Yerson Mosquera header, FCC gave Inter Miami their 4th defeat in a row, winning the game 1-0.
The game was headlined by whether we would see the return of Junior Moreno and Marco Angulo from international duty. But it was Obinna Nwobodo who didn’t play today which shocked many people. It was found out he was having tendon-related discomfort, causing him to need to miss the game. Pat Noonan hopes Obinna can make a full recovery by the Philadelphia Union game.
The game started off with both teams playing a high-press style of football. Usually, FC Cincinnati would favor forming this, but because of multiple inaccurate crosses and a bunch of offsides, FC Cincinnati could not capitalize from the press.
A penalty was awarded to Inter Miami in the 36th minute by Marco Angulo, who was previously already given a yellow card. But after a long 5-minute VAR (Video Assistant Review) review, the referee overturned the penalty.
Then, in the stoppage time of the first half, Inter Miami deflected a shot from Brenner, leading to a corner kick. Alvaro Barreal was able to find Yerson Mosquera at the front goalpost and delivered a swinging ball connecting with Yerson perfectly, with Yerson heading it right through the keeper’s hands and into the back of the net. That header marked Yerson Mosquera’s first goal with FC Cincinnati.
The rain tainted the second half heavily, leading to a ton of slipping and wrong-footed plays through the second half. Minus a few shots, nothing major had happened, to the delight of FCC, as they were able to walk away with all three points.
The win helped propel FCC up to first in the Eastern Conference with help from a New England draw against New York City FC. This shows how much the team has grown, going from 3 time straight wooden spoon winners to first in the Eastern Conference.
The only person who probably isn’t celebrating first in the east is manager Pat Noonan, who instead wants to “celebrate it at the end of the year if we’re here in this position” (Pat Noonan, Cincy Sports Talk).
Up next FCC will take on Philidelphia Union at home, in a battle that will be very close but with us staying home should give us the advantage. With the Union being a part of the CONCACAF Champions League, they will likely field a rotated side to stay fit for their midweek game. FCC could also be on the cusp of more history if they get the win, as they could get first in the supporter shield for the first time in their history if they are able to get the win, as well as if other results go our way.
