FC Cincinnati's US Open Cup run continues with 1-0 win vs. NYCFC | Replay

pat brennan, cincinnati enquirer

Thu, May 11, 2023, 2:05 AM·4 min read

Now it feels like FC Cincinnati is on a cup run. The club also knows its potential opponents for the next two rounds, which is adding to the intrigue of FC Cincinnati's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign.

FC Cincinnati downed New York City FC on Wednesday at TQL Stadium, 1-0, in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 matchup to progress to the Round of 16.

Brandon Vazquez provided the contest's lone goal via a header off an Alvaro Barreal corner kick. FCC goalkeeper Alec Kann registered his second shutout in this season's Open Cup, too, as he is yet to be scored on in the competition.

The tournament should increase in difficulty as it progresses but after defeating NYCFC, Cincinnati stands four wins from its first major trophy.

"Really strong performance. I was really pleased with the collective, but a lot of individual performances from the guys, I thought they were ready to play," FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said afterward. "And against a very good New York City team that can make you chase the game, I thought there was a lot of things that the guys did well, and I'm pleased for a lot of reasons but for some of them that don't get the starts week-in and week-out, you know, the Alec's, the Dom's (Badji), you know, Malik (Pinto). I thought those guys were outstanding tonight. And it was a well-deserved win."

FC Cincinnati forward Dominique Badji (14) embraces FC Cincinnati forward Brandon Vázquez (19) after Vazquez’ goal in the 56 minute of the second half of the US Open Cup match between FC Cincinnati and New York City at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

In advancing to play a third Open Cup match later this month, FC Cincinnati also ensured this cup run would at least be equal to the three-game run of 2018, which ended in penalty-kicks against Minnesota United FC at Nippert Stadium.

FC Cincinnati will learn more about its next Open Cup engagement during U.S. Soccer's 2 p.m. draw Thursday. FCC's next opponent, as well as possible quarterfinal opponents, will be confirmed.

In a 12:45 a.m. Thursday tweet, U.S. Soccer unveiled the four-team geographic pods that matchups for the upcoming rounds will be drawn from. FC Cincinnati in the Northeast pod, which also included New York Red Bulls, archrival Columbus Crew, and giant-killer Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of the second-division USL Championship.

Pittsburgh is coming off a Tuesday upset of New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium, which can hold about 60,000 more spectators than the Riverhounds' Highmark Stadium.

"I think when you when you win on a consistent basis, and when you win against top teams in the league, that should give the group belief that you can compete for trophies," Noonan said, "and I know that group in there believes, and we as a staff believe that."

FC Cincy is moving on

At last, after nine tries, FC Cincinnati beat New York City FC. Wednesday's 1-0 win at TQL Stadium secured FCC's progression to the U.S. Open Cup's Round of 16.

Vazquez provided the offense and goalkeeper Kann recorded his second shutout in two Open Cup matches.

Brandon Vazquez muscles up (56')

Brandon Vazquez netted his third goal of 2023 (the includes MLS and Open Cup play) when he headed home off an Alvaro Barreal corner kick.

FC Cincinnati forward Brandon Vázquez (19) shoots in the first half of the US Open Cup match between FC Cincinnati and New York City at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Scoreless at halftime

No one found a breakthrough. Forty-five more minutes of this and these teams could find themselves looking at extra time, and penalty kicks after that if necessary.

Looking for a way through (38')

FC Cincinnati seems to have had the more threatening possession over the last 10 minutes. That included a hopeful Brandon Vazquez chance from midfield, which was saved by NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese, and an Alvaro Barreal chance from a more reasonable distance.

Early stages (15')

We're underway at TQL Stadium as of 7:04 p.m. and both teams have slid dangerous balls through the opponents' box but no big chances yet. NYCFC, which has four starters in its lineup from last weekend's match against Charlotte FC, has two shots. FC Cincinnati has six starters and a generally strong group for its starting XI.