Heartbreak for NYCFC as FC Cincinnati Edges Out 2-1 Thriller
Updated: Aug 26
August 19, 2026 TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
FC Cincinnati defeated New York City FC 2-1 on August 19, 2026, at TQL Stadium, secured by a stoppage-time goal from Evander. The win, highlighted by Kenji Mboma Dem's earlier goal and strong defensive efforts moved Cincinnati to fifth place in the Eastern Conference while NYCFC remained in seventh place.
Both sides came into the match looking to claim three points as they looked to solidify their playoff position. The highly competitive, fast-paced match featured some clear chances for both sides in the early going. Cincinnati would strike first in the 11th minute. Brazilian star Evander would play a dangerous ball near midfield to Kevin Denkey near the penalty spot. New York's Kevin O'Toole would poke the ball away, but an alert Kenji Mboma Dem would react instantly with a sliding, first touch shot to help Cincy to a 1-0 lead. In the 21st minute New York would respond with a nicely constructed transition moment. Agustin Ojeda would execute a quick give-and-go with Nicolas Fernandez down the right flank, driving toward the end line. Ojeda would then loft a pinpoint, first-touch cross to the penalty spot, where Luighi would bury a volley to level the score. With both teams tied at one, Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga would be shown a red card for a foul in the 36th minute. Following an official VAR review the red card would be changed to a yellow card. The match would intensify and both teams would eventually go into the half tied at one.
NYCFC would show initiative in the second half as they looked for three points on the road. Cincinnati keeper Roman Celentano would make back-to-back reaction saves with just over a minute into the second half to keep the match level. New York's dominance would continue, but it looked like a goal would not come for the visitors. It appeared a draw was in the making until a game-winning, stoppage time goal from Evander in the 90’+1 mark would put Cincinnati ahead. Pavel Bucha and Gerardo Valenzuela would set up Evander’s spin-around goal with key passes in the sequence. The Brazilian's goal would be his league-leading 23rd goal contribution of the season. Roman Celentano would finish the evening with seven saves as he would thwart numerous chances generated by NYCFC.
Despite the tough loss, NYCFC showed throughout that they were the better side for large portions of the match. If they can correct a few things in the next few matches, expect NYCFC to challenge for a higher playoff position.
FC Cincinnati 2 - 1 New York City FC
FC Cincinnati (3-5-2 Formation): Roman Celentano; Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga (Subbed off 60'), Kyle Smith (Subbed off 82'); Pavel Bucha, Obinna Nwobodo (Subbed off 71'), Evander, Gerardo Valenzuela, Ender Echenique (Subbed off 60'); Kenji Mboma Dem, Kévin Denkey (Subbed off 71')
Substitutes Used: Teenage Hadebe (60'), Bryan Ramírez (60'), Samuel Gidi (71'), Tom Barlow (71'), Brian Anunga (82')
New York City FC (4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 Formation): Matt Freese; Tayvon Gray, Raul Gustavo, Nicolás Fernández, Kevin O'Toole (Subbed off 76'); James Sands, Keaton Parks (Subbed off 75'), Andrés Perea; Agustín Ojeda (Subbed off 80'), Luighi (Subbed off 64'), Bénie Traoré (Subbed off 64')
Substitutes Used: Malachi Jones (64'), Seymour Reid (64'), Jonathan Shore (74'), Nico Cavallo (75'), Talles Magno (80')
Match Stats: (CIN / NYCFC)
Possession: CIN 54.7% / NYCFC 45.3%
Shots: CIN 14 / NYCFC 16
Shots on Goal: CIN 7 / NYCFC 8
Saves: CIN 7 / NYCFC 5
Corner Kicks: CIN 2 / NYCFC 5
Fouls: CIN 11 / NYCFC 9
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