FC Cincinnati extended its scorching form with a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City at TQL Stadium, notching a fifth consecutive victory and reaffirming their status as the league’s top side in the Supporters' Shield standings. The match featured moments of frustration, tactical adaptation, and ultimately, an unforgettable display of individual brilliance from Kévin Denkey.
A Tactical Puzzle in the First Half
The opening 45 minutes were defined more by possession than penetration. FCC controlled much of the ball, but Sporting Kansas City's compact defensive structure disrupted their rhythm in the final third. Head coach Pat Noonan highlighted the difficulty of breaking down SKC’s narrow shape, emphasizing the need for quicker lateral movement and smarter decision-making in advanced positions.
“We needed to stop forcing the ball through the middle,” Noonan said. “We were taking too many touches, overcomplicating passes, and missing opportunities to get our wingbacks into dangerous spaces.” It was a half that demanded patience and clarity—qualities FCC only began to demonstrate as the interval approached.
Denkey Opens the Door
With frustration mounting and just minutes before halftime, FC Cincinnati found the breakthrough. Left wingback Lukas Engel rifled a shot from the edge of the box that forced a diving save from John Pulskamp. Denkey, positioned perfectly, pounced on the rebound and fired it in with his first touch. The goal, scored in the 43rd minute, was a reward for FCC’s perseverance and Denkey’s instinctive finishing ability.
Formation Shift Sparks Wider Play
In the second half, Noonan rolled the dice. A 62nd-minute substitution saw Sergio Santos replace center back Matt Miazga, a rare offensive switch that pushed FCC into a 3-4-3 formation. This allowed wingbacks to push higher up the field and gave Luca Orellano more freedom to operate in advanced areas—reminiscent of his breakout performances earlier this year.
The return of Obinna Nwobodo from injury added midfield steel and composure, further stabilizing the team’s shape during the transition.
A Goal for the Ages
Denkey’s second goal was nothing short of spectacular. In the 78th minute, a recycled corner kick landed at the feet of Orellano, who created space along the right touchline before delivering a cross into the box. Timing his movement impeccably, Denkey launched into a bicycle kick that soared over Pulskamp and into the net. It was a strike that left fans—and teammates—stunned.
The goal wasn’t just a highlight; it was a historic moment for the club. In FCC’s decade-long history, few goals have combined such technical difficulty with aesthetic beauty. It also earned Denkey a place in the club’s record books as the 21st player to score multiple goals in a single MLS match.
Late Spoiler and Final Whistle
Sporting Kansas City clawed one back in the 89th minute when substitute Zorhan Bassong capitalized on some space in the box and beat Roman Celentano with a well-placed strike. The goal ended hopes of a clean sheet but didn’t spoil the result.
Records and Streaks
FC Cincinnati’s current run places them among elite company. Their five-match winning streak is the third longest in their MLS history, trailing only streaks of seven (2024) and six (2023) matches. Even more impressively, this marks only the third time the club has won every match in a single calendar month—previously achieved in September 2018 and May 2023.
Their consistent excellence under Noonan is especially notable in tight matches. Since 2023, FCC has emerged victorious in 31 one-goal games across all competitions—a testament to their grit and game management.
Cincinnati also remains atop the Supporters’ Shield standings, making this the third consecutive season they’ve held the top spot at some point. Only D.C. United (1996–1998) has achieved that feat in the early days of MLS.
Looking Ahead
The Orange and Blue will take their unbeaten momentum to Citi Field on May 4th, where they face New York City FC in another crucial matchup. With Denkey in red-hot form and tactical versatility on their side, FC Cincinnati look poised to keep climbing—and entertaining.
Additional Note:
Denkey’s emergence as a consistent goal threat is reshaping FCC’s offensive identity. After a quiet start to the year, he’s become the focal point of a team that previously struggled to replace Brandon Vazquez’s goal output. If his form continues, FC Cincinnati could be not just Supporters’ Shield contenders—but legitimate MLS Cup favorites.
Match Summary:
- Goals:
- CIN – Kévin Denkey 43’, 78’ (Orellano assist)
- SKC – Zorhan Bassong 89’ (Thommy, Brody assist)
- Yellow Cards:
- CIN – Tah Brian Anunga (17’), Kévin Denkey (79’)
- SKC – Dejan Joveljić (66’)
- Lineups and Subs:
- FC Cincinnati: Celentano; Engel (Smith 85’), Hagglund, Miazga (Santos 63’), Robinson, Yedlin; Anunga (Nwobodo 63’), Bucha; Orellano (Powell 86’), Evander; Denkey (Baird 90+1’)
- Sporting KC: Pulskamp; Ndenbe, Voloder, Miller; Shelton (Brody 86’), Sallói (Thommy 73’), Radoja (Bassong 66’), Bartlett, García; Suleymanov (Afrifa 86’), Joveljić
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