Cover Image via sportsnaut.com
Written by: Kyra Campbell
FC Cincinnati (6-1-2) returned to their winning ways on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers (2-5-2) in front of a sold-out TQL Stadium. This win brings the Orange and Blue to 20 points on the season, sitting just behind first place New England Revolution (6-1-2) in the Eastern Conference and Supporter’s Shield standings.
FCC returned to its usual formation, with Luciano Acosta coming back from his shoulder injury that kept him out last week. Despite being away midweek with the US Men’s National Team, Brandon Vazquez, Matt Miazga, and Roman Celentano were all able to make the start as usual. Sergio Santos once again replaced Brenner in the lineup, as he is in Italy completing his physical for his summer transfer to Seria A’s Udinese.
In a back and forth game, it was Santos’ 34th minute goal that opened up the scoring for FCC, his club-leading fourth of the season. The scoreline would remain 1-0 until the 58th minute, when Brandon Vazquez would put one in the back of the net, scoring his second goal of the season. Two minutes later Portland’s Dairon Asprilla would bring the score to 2-1, giving Portland a fighting chance in the last 30 minutes. FCC was able to hang on, however, and secure their 6th victory of the season.
FC Cincinnati takes a break from league play this Wednesday to take on USLC side Louisville City FC in a US Open Cup edition of the Dirty River Derby. Kickoff is at 7pm at TQL Stadium and fans can catch the match on the Bleacher Report App or B/R Football’s YouTube Channel.