Orlando City SC Dominate FC Cincinnati

Published on May 21, 2019

Orlando City SC (City) (4-6-3, 15 points) claimed a 5-1 victory over FC Cincinnati (FCC) (3-8-2, 11 points) at Sundays match, in their first-ever meeting.

FC Cincinnati entered the game after a well deserved 2-1 victory over Montreal Impact, and Orlando City SC came in from a 2-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC.

Lineups

Photo Courtesy of Orlando City SC
Photo Courtesy of FC Cincinnati

Match Recap

First Half

Photo Courtesy of Orlando City SC

In the 24’ Eric Alexander was able to send a ball through the defense where it would find Darren Mattocks as he was able to get into the box and send the shot over the head of Brian Rowe, Cincinnati would lead 1-0.

Orlando would recover in the 37’ with Tesho Akindele able to take a touch and hit a shot over the head of Spencer Richey, the score would be equalized at 1-1.

At half, City controlled possession with 62%, they also out-shot FC Cincinnati 7-3. Orlando City would win the corner battle with 6 to Cincinnati’s 3.

Second Half

Photo Courtesy of Orlando City SC

Lamine Sane was drug down in the box from a corner kick, Nani would step in for the penalty. After an initial save by Richey, Nani was able to put away the rebound for a 50’ goal, Orlando City would take a 2-1 lead.

A quick turnaround in the 59’ Ruan was able to glide down the right wing and place the ball perfectly in to Nani, where he would finish the ball into the net. Orlando City would take a 3-1 lead, this would also serve as the 200th goal in MLS play for Orlando City SC.

A poor clearance in the 64’ by Cincinnati would lead to Tesho Akindele hitting the ball first time with his left foot and extend the lead to 4-1 Orlando City.

Finishing off the night in the 82’ Dom Dwyer finishes a header fed in by Josue Colman, Orlando City lead 5-1.

FINAL: Orlando City SC 5-1 FC Cincinnati

Orlando City SC simply outplayed FC Cincinnati, City held 61.1% possession, out-shot FCC 17-5, and had 11 corners over Cincinnati’s 4.

“There was a couple of things I thought we just needed to be a little bit sharper on and areas I thought we needed to try to play in. I think, obviously, then the quality of the players started to come through. So, again, I think the players deserve enormous credit for the mentality and the way they went on and performed second half. I thought they were excellent.” —Orlando City Head Coach James O’Connor

Photo Courtesy of Orlando City SC

Eastern Conference Standings

Orlando City SC currently sit in 10th place with 15 points just a single point behind Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew SC at 16.

FC Cincinnati are in last place (12th)  with 11 points, a point behind New England Revolution.

Orlando City will remain at home on Friday, May 24 as they host LA Galaxy at 7:00 PM ET.

FC Cincinnati will return home as New York Red Bulls come to town Saturday, May 25 7:30 PM ET.

Taylor Lee is a former Sports Editor at Grit Daily. With over ten years of experience in the business realm including an MBA from Grand Canyon University, Taylor focuses his writing in the fields of sports, music, and business. His other interest include being outdoors, cigars, and fine bourbons.

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