FC Cincinnati’s dream season will continue, and the club is two wins away from the MLS Cup title.
An injury- and suspension-plagued FC Cincinnati exited Saturday’s Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia Union via a dramatic late winner from center back Yerson Mosquera. This sent the sold-out TQL Stadium crowd of 25,513 into a frenzy after a tense night of football action.
The win sent FCC into the Eastern Conference Final, where they will host arch-rival Columbus Crew on Saturday (6pm) at TQL Stadium. Columbus advanced to the conference final when it defeated Orlando City SC, 2-0, in overtime.
FC Cincinnati and Columbus split the two-game season series with one win each.
Mosquera’s goal came via a quick replay from a free kick coordinated by captain Luciano Acosta, who played the ball across the pitch to Álvaro Barreal. Barreal then played a long, hopeful pass into the Philadelphia penalty area, and Dominique Badjie put the ball on a plate for Mosquera.
The Inquirer will update this report.
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Welcome to Cincinnati.com’s live coverage of No. 1 FC Cincinnati vs. No. 4 Philadelphia Union at TQL Stadium in the MLS Eastern Conference Cup Playoffs semifinals. Refresh this page throughout the lineup for updates and analysis. Follow Enquirer FC Cincinnati beat reporter Pat Brennan on X, formerly Twitter, for additional updates (@PBrennanENQ).
Was this the winner? (90+)
Yerson Mosquera scored from a quick free kick from Luciano Acosta to make the score 1-0. Was this the goal that sent FC Cincinnati to the MLS Cup Final?
First substitution for Cincinnati (88′)
Aaron Popendza’s night is over. He will be replaced by Dominique Badjie, who should provide speed and one of the team’s best scoring touches this year.
It’s crunch time (65′)
We are at a stage of the game where the next goal could be the decisive one. It’s point-free at the moment. Neither side has had big chances so far in this half.
Half the time
He was nervous. It was a little rough around the edges. It is devoid of goals. reminder.
Sensi dominated the first half (40′)
As time expired in the first 45 minutes, FC Cincinnati had a statistical advantage – around 60% of possession, four shots to one for Al-Ittihad and five corners to one for Al-Ittihad. But there are no goals to show for it. Andre Blake, last years Goalkeeper of the Year award, was sharp tonight.
Check in at the 15 minute mark
FC Cincy puts their heads in uncomfortable places to win 50/50 balls. Lots of energy early. The game is being played on their terms for the most part, although Philadelphia is defending its penalty area well.
We keep going (1′)
Rose Lavelle unsheathed the club sword as part of the pre-match celebrations on the field. This match is ongoing.
Oh, and the Columbus Crew have already defeated Orlando City SC, 2-0, in overtime, so FCC is in play for a showdown in the Eastern Conference final next weekend.
Obinna Nwobodo does not play against Union
Late start
- The match is expected to take place at 8:25 p.m., and the match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m.
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Starting lineup for Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union
- Cincinnati starting lineup: Roman Celentano (goalkeeper), Alvas Powell, Yerson Mosquera, Ray Gaddis, Ian Murphy, Alvaro Barreal, Yuya Kubo, Luciano Acosta (captain), Junior Moreno, Aaron Popendza, Brandon Vazquez.
- Cincinnati starts XI: Alec Can (goalkeeper), Marco Angulo, Santiago Arias, Dominique Badji, Sergio Santos, Malik Pinto, London Agedo, Brett Halsey, Gerardo Valenzuela.
- Philadelphia Union starting lineup: Andre Blake (goalkeeper), Nathan Harriel, Jack Elliott, Damion Lowe, Olivier Mbizo, Jose Martinez, Jack McGlynn, Alejandro Bedoya, Mikael Ori, Daniel Gazdag, Julian Carranza.
- Philadelphia seat: Matt Ryall, Jacob Glesnes, Joe Benedik, Jeremy Ravanello, Joaquin Torres, Jesus Bueno, Chris Donovan, Ty Baribeau, Quinn Sullivan.
- Not present for tonight’s game, in addition to Nobodo, are Leon Vlach (injury) and Kai Wagner (suspension) of Philadelphia, and Nick Haglund (injury) and Matt Miazga (suspension) of FC Cincinnati.
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