Late defensive breakdowns doom FC Cincinnati in lopsided loss to D.C. United
CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati’s brutal inaugural MLS campaign recently encountered a spell of positivity with two consecutive victories after going winless in league play in all of June and most of May. But second-half breakdowns in the defensive third Thursday night spoiled the run of good form, as FC Cincy fell 4-1 at home to D.C. United.
A physical match out of the gates saw FC Cincinnati control most of the ball in the first quarter or so of the match. The first real threat from either side came on an FC Cincy corner. Leonardo Bertone found Kendall Waston’s head at the near post, whose header then struck the woodwork.
D.C. United quickly responded with a dangerous chance of their own. Paul Arriola’s header appeared destined for the top corner, but Spencer Richey fully extended to make a difficult save that preserved the blank scoreline.
The back of the net was finally tingled in the 42nd minute by D.C. winger Lucas Rodriguez. Wayne Rooney tapped a short pass to him in the box, and the Argentine bent it past Richey.
An Arriola handball in the box allowed Cincinnati to equalize in the second interval. Emmanuel Ledesma converted from the spot in the 54th via his patented dramatic approach and tap in.
But just 10 minutes later, United found itself back up 3-1 after Rodriguez completed a brace and Rooney added another. Rodriguez’s was a blast from outside the box, assisted by Arriola, that slightly deflected off a defender. Rooney’s came on a calm finish after collecting a pass from Leonardo Jara.
Later, Arriola crept in behind the defense and tacked on one of his own to make it 4-1, effectively sealing the result.
The match statistics were surprisingly relatively even, and the first half especially was played on about level terms. Massive FC Cincy defensive breakdowns in the second stanza among the back four of Alvas Powell, Justin Hoyte, Kendall Waston and Mathieu Deplagne proved to be the hosts’ undoing. Even without focal creator Luciano Acosta, who was suspended for the match, the D.C. trio of Rodriguez, Rooney and Arriola still found enough seams to torment Cincy going forward.
The win propelled United back into second place in the Eastern Conference as they prepare to visit third-place Atlanta United FC on Sunday. FC Cincinnati remains in the cellar, and will look to get back on track at home Sunday versus a resurgent New England Revolution side.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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