:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67396457/usa_today_14853919.0.jpg)
FT: #NYCFC outlast Cincinnati 2-1 to extend their unbeaten streak to five games. It got ugly at the end, but City were the better team for the majority and get a much deserved win to even up their season record and wrap up Phase 1.
— Hudson River Blue (@hudsonriverblue) September 13, 2020
Seven minutes of stoppage time. Praying there’s no heartbreak here.
85’: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Taty Castellanos come on for Héber and Jesus Medina.
79’: BIG SAVE FROM JOHNSON! SeanJohn does brilliantly to deny Kendall Waston a goal on a corner.
78’: James Sands goes into the book. He will face a one-game suspension next week against the Revolution.
74’: Goal. Cincinnati pull one back.
Keaton Parks commits a terrible turnover in the defensive third. Johnson denies an initial shot, but Cinci’ Vazquez puts in an easy rebound. City still lead, but it’s tighter. 2-1.
67’: SeanJohn makes another good save. The City netminder been needed much, but he’s been there when called into action.
1.) James Sands is awesome
— Hudson River Blue (@hudsonriverblue) September 13, 2020
2.) I like Gudi at left back#NYCFC
55’: GOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLL!!! NYCFC extend their lead!
Anton Tinnerholm lurks on a failed corner and strikes the ball on the full volley and drives it past Tyton to put City. A signature TinnerBoom goal!
BOOM
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) September 13, 2020
What a hit by @AntonTinnerholm #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/LLUoeL8dtg
48’: Sean Johnson gets his first real work of the game. City kinda look weary to start this one.
Second half is underway! Can NYCFC extend their lead and put this one away?
HT: NYCFC go into the half ahead by a goal. It looked like much of the same for a while — City possess the ball in a dangerous area, but can’t convert that possession to a goal. Then Maxi went down, and all looked lost. But to his credit, Mackay-Steven’s incisive diagonal ball and Ring’s tidy finish has put the Pigeons up ahead 1-0,
39’: GOOOOOOAAAALLLL!!!! City get their tally!
Moments after I shit on him, GMS plays a brilliant ball in behind to Alex Ring who is held onside by a Cinci defender. Ring takes one touch then finishes hard and low. NYCFC lead 1-0!
.@Gary__11 puts Alex Ring in for his third goal of the season #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/E83OICKdda
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) September 12, 2020
30’: Gary Mackay-Steven comes on for Maxi, who is obviously injured. I don’t like this change. GMS has done nothing so far. I would’ve much rather seen Ismael Tajouri-Shradi or Alexandru Mitrita come on. Here’s hoping I’m wrong
26' And this is EXACTLY what #NYCFC don't need -- Maxi Moralez has pulled up with an injury.
— Hudson River Blue (@hudsonriverblue) September 12, 2020
Twenty minutes down in the first half. City doesn’t look bad. But, yet again, they are failing to convert promising looks into goals. Cincinnati has almost nothing in the way of offense right now. If NYCFC don’t pounce on Cinci’s mistakes, this can be another snooze fest.
12’: An excellent buildup ends in an offside call. However, that was a brilliant piece of work from NYCFC who moved the ball with aplomb.
6’: A strong early chance for NYCFC. Sands pressed high and forced a turnover in a dangerous area. Héber collects it and looks off an open Maxi Moralez at the back post and takes a shot. Tyton saves it.
We’re off in the Phase 1 finale! Can NYCFC finish it off in style?
Rosters are out! Gudi Thorarinsson comes in to replace the injured Ronald Matarrita. Other than that, NYCFC maintain their lineup from the past few weeks, including Alex Ring at left wing.
Rosters
New York City FC Starting XI:
| #NYCFC Starting XI #FCCincy #NYCvCIN | @hays_us pic.twitter.com/lHyAGErCjz
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) September 12, 2020
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: James Sands (M)
- International Duty: None
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Ronald Matarrita (D) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Gedion Zelalem (M) - knee injury
FC Cincinnati Starting XI:
#FCCincy’s starting lineup for tonight.#NYCvCIN | #AllForCincy
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 12, 2020
- Suspended: Frankie Amaya (M)
- Suspended after next caution: Mathieu Deplagne (D)
- International duty: None
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Jimmy McLaughlin (M) - ankle injury
- OUT: Saad Abdul-Salaam (D) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Maikel van der Werff (D) - undisclosed injury
Referees: Rubiel Vazquez (referee); Kathryn Nesbitt, Jose da Silva (assistant referees); Thomas Snyder (4th official); Alan Kelly (VAR)
How To Watch
Match date & time: September 12, 2020, 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
Online streaming: Fox Sports Go
TV: YES
Local radio: NYCFC.com/radio
The story: Fresh off the announcement of their three upcoming MLS Phase 2 games, New York City FC head back to their temporary home in New Jersey to host FC Cincinnati in their Phase 1 finale.
For NYCFC, this game is about reminding people that they are still a top-tier team despite their issues with finishing this season. A brutal 0-0 draw against D.C. United last week on the road snapped City’s three-game win streak and brought about new critiques. And though Cinci can’t really be considered top competition at the moment, a big win sends a statement to the rest of the league that the Boys in Blue are still in the New York groove.
For Cincinnati, this game is about survival and carving a path that leads above the Eastern Conference playoff line. At 12th in the conference, the Orange and Blue currently have 9 points on the season and are one point off 10th, the last playoff spot available. An underdog win against NYCFC could put them firmly in desirable position heading into Phase 2.
This post will update with highlights and information as we receive it.