Written By: Kyra Campbell
FC Cincinnati (6-1-3) came away with one point after a top of the table clash against the New England Revolution (6-1-3) resulted in a draw on Saturday. The draw keeps FCC just behind first place New England in the Eastern Conference and Supporter’s Shield standings, as both teams have 21 points, with the Revolution getting the edge on goal differential.
Cincinnati returned to its regular starting IX, with Sergio Santos once again slotting in for Brenner, who didn’t train until late in the week after returning from Italy to finalize his summer transfer window move to Serie A side Udinese. Ray Gaddis once again featured on the right wing as Santiago Arias is out with another injury.
New England’s Dylan Barrero suffered an injury early on, as he landed awkwardly on the turf after a challenge by Yerson Mosquera, and after being stretchered off, was replaced by Esmir Bajraktarevic in the 22nd minute. Not long after, in the 30th minute, FCC had their first prime chance of the game, when they were awarded a penalty for a questionable Revolution handball in the box, however, Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic saved Luciano Acosta’s PK. A minute later Mosquera scored off of a header on an Alvaro Barreal corner kick. Later, in stoppage time of the first half, New England’s Emmanuel Boateng found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.
The drama continued in the second half, with FCC being denied a much more clear penalty on an Andrew Farrell foul on Acosta in the 65th minute. The call would go to VAR, where the referee stuck by his decision of no penalty. New England was on the front foot for much of the half, with Cincinnati being unable to possess the ball for long spells or really move the ball forward. The whistle was blown just as Nick Hagglund’s header went wide of the goal and the game ended 1-1.
FC Cincinnati return back home next weekend for the first match in a 4 game homestand. The Orange and Blue will take on D.C. United (4-4-2) at TQL Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is at 7:30pm and as always fans can watch the match on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.