New England delivers clean sheet at Nippert
CINCINNATI, OH – July 21, 2019 – Richard Dale Pendleton
The New England Revolution arrived at Nippert Stadium 3-0-2 in their last 5 matches while Cincinnati was 2-3-0 and had taken a loss on Thursday to DC United. The last match up between the clubs on March 24, had Cincinnati defeat New England 2-0.
Tonight marked Adi’s return to the starter role since his injury although he has seen playing time coming in as a sub. A possible pregame key was the fitness of Cincinnati, may be exhausted playing three matches in the last 9 days.
It did not take long for NER (New England Revolution) to score. In the 8th minute Carlos Gil scored the match’s first goal and his 7th goal of the season. Carlos exposed the weakness of Cincinnati’s defense, and the Cincy back line has shown lack of life inside the box.
At the 30 minute mark, play was stopped for a hydration break. This gave both teams a few minutes to regroup and get some much needed fluids.
After the break, the FC Cincy defense continued to yield to pressure in their defensive third, while NER continued to pressure Ritchie in goal. Due to an injury, FC made their first sub at the 33 minute with Hoyte in and Deplagne
out. Deplagne had sought medical attention earlier in the match, came back on the pitch, but could not continue.
At the half, NER 1 – FC Cincy 0.
In the 48 minute, FC Cincy set up for a free kick, that looked promising, however, offside was called against Cincinnati’s Adi. In the 50th minute, NER’s Carlos Gil takes another shot on goal, just off frame on the far post. On 54, due to a reckless tackle, Cincinnati’s Cruz is issued a yellow card.
55th minute NER’s Delamea scores his second goal of the season from a set play on a corner kick. The defense for Cincinnati was no where to be seen, yet another breakdown and Ritchie standing flat footed in goal. The 57th minute Cincinnati has promising attack 2 shots on goal and NER’s Turner blocked both shots. 60th minute Cincinnati makes their second sub #11 Mattocks in his first appearance since the match in Colorado and #6 Bertone goes out. NER makes a substitution #9 Caicedo in and #7 Bou out.
70th minute Free Kick for Cincinnati, Amaya takes it Adi made a great header, with Turner again with the save. Cincinnati made their final sub at the 78th minute #7 Lamah in for #31 Manneh. NER made a sub at the 79th minute #6 Caldwell in and #14 Fagundez out.
Cincy made a push in the minuntes with Adi again on the offensive. 80th minute a shot by Cruz is saved, 83rd minute a miss shot by Amaya but Adi is offside again, and 87th min Adi heads the ball with save by Turner. At the final whistle, NER with a 2-0 win.
During the match, Cincinnati was called for 5 offsides. In the last 2 matches Cincinnati has had 30 shots with 10 on goal and scored 0. Opponents had 30 shots with 15 on goal and scored 6 times.
Post-game, Cincinnati’s coach stated the team didn’t show up in the first half and was inconsistent in the second half. A good synopsis of the performance.
One impressive area for the struggles of Cincinnati is the play of Amaya. He is the youngest player on the team at the age of 18. He will only become better the more touches he gets against the players in the MLS.
FC is next in action on Saturday Night at they travel to Toronto.
