Denkey Stuns as Cincinnati Defeats New York 2-0

While Cincinnati has typically been out-possessed in the first half, they came out strong and controlled through the opening 30 minutes of play, holding over 65% of possession.

“I thought it was a strong first half from us. We controlled the game the way we wanted, especially with the ball, and created some good chances.” - Pat Noonan.

At the 39th minute of play, Pavel Bucha became the target of a midfield ball into open space on the right, drew two New York defenders, and slipped a pass across the box to Kévin Denkey, who finished from close range to put Cincinnati ahead 1-0.

“Kévin continues to show his quality in the box. He’s in the right spots and finishes his chances when they come.” - Pat Noonan.

Cincinnati continued to press late into the half. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Evander dribbled inward from the right side into the box, where New York’s Noah Eile stepped in to challenge him. Evander slipped past with a quick change of direction, pulling the ball across his body, but Eile lunged in too far and took him down, drawing a penalty kick.

“Evander does a good job attacking the space and putting the defender in a difficult spot. That’s what we want in those moments—be aggressive and force decisions.”- Pat Noonan

With the PK at hand, it was Denkey who stepped up to take the shot as the stadium rose to their feet, chanting “FCC, FCC, FCC” for the fan favorite footballer. Denkey stuttered stepped, drawing the keeper low and clearing the way to sail it to the top right corner of the net, bringing the score to 2-0. 

The second half shifted.

New York came out with urgency, increasing pressure and forcing Cincinnati into a more defensive posture. The control Cincinnati held in the first half gave way with both sides finding opportunities in transition.

As the match progressed, neither side was able to fully control momentum. Cincinnati looked to maintain structure while New York pushed numbers forward, creating sustained pressure and forcing defensive adjustment with no goals scored from either side for the entirety of the second half.

Cincinnati’s keeper, Roman Celentano, showed up for his team tonight, recording six saves while anchoring Cincinnati through heavy second-half pressure from New York, which became key in a match where the club entered the night down three starting defenders: Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, and Nick Hagglund.

Cincinnati travels to Charlotte next Saturday to face a side sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference, featuring a strong attack and consistent play. Cincinnati ends this week at 3-3-4 and a win in Charlotte will not only help in the standings, but give them a bit of momentum when they return home to face the mighty Inter Miami led by international sensation, Lionel Messi.