FC Cincinnati extinguish Fire in US Open Cup and drop points in USL play

Photo Credit: Chris Asbrock/FTI Sports

by Chris Asbrock

In what was the greatest night of soccer in the history of the Queen City, the nation saw what this city knows, FC Cincinnati is a phenomenon. For the first time ever, ESPN carried a US Open Cup match prior to the semi-final round and a national audience witnessed the spectacle. In what was one of the best 0-0 games you’ll see, FC Cincinnati knocked off MLS side, Chicago Fire, in penalty kicks. The victory moved the boys in orange and blue into the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.

Another record crowd of 32,287 were in Nippert Stadium to watch this incredible match. The nervousness was certainly palpable throughout the stadium as the Fire threw everything but the kitchen sink at FCC. After the first true attempt in the game from FC Cincinnati’s Josu, Chicago brought the pressure with nine attempts on goal. While some shots were blocked, FCC backstop Mitch Hildebrandt was called into action numerous times.

Hildebrandt played what is probably his best game ever, which was crucial to the success for FC Cincinnati in this game. The second half did see FC Cincinnati settle in and take it to Chicago, providing a few chances to snag the lead over the MLS side. Chicago was not dominated in the half however, Hildebrandt was called to make a huge save a few times late in the half to keep it scoreless. The crucial save came when Hildebrandt made a one-hand diving stop on Nemanja Nikolic, who has tortured MLS defenses all season.

The save continued to build the confidence of the Orange and Blues and helped propel the game into extra time. Nippert stadium exploded with a roar in the 113th minute when Andrew Wiedeman slotted a shot into the bottom right hand side of the net. The goal was called back due to a tough offside decision from the lineswoman. While the offside call was incorrect, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the club or the fans.

Heading to penalty kicks, Aodhan Quinn stepped up for FC Cincinnati to get things going and launched his shot over the bar. Hildebrandt stepped up and stopped Nikolic on Chicago’s first PK attempt. After Josu netted his PK attempt, Hildebrandt stoned Arturo Alvarez on his attempt, keeping the FC Cincinnati lead 1-0 after two rounds. Harrison Delbridge calmly scored on his attempt giving FCC a 2-0 lead. Chicago’s international superstar, Bastian Schweinsteiger was cool, calm and collected when he beat Hildebrandt down the middle on his attempt. After three rounds, the Orange and Blue’s were up 2-1. Jimmy McLaughlin gave FCC a 3-1 lead after he scored putting all of the pressure on Brazilian Juninho. Hildebrandt dove to his left and pushed the shot away, giving FC Cincinnati the stunning victory over a hot Chicago Fire club. The save sent Nippert into pandemonium and FC Cincinnati into the quarterfinals.

The victory did not come without a price. just three days later, FC Cincinnati traveled south to take on Orlando City B. In a bit of a different atmosphere than at Nippert, in front of only 980 fans, this was a very winnable game for FC Cincinnati. However, the Orange and Blue’s failed to realize the game had started, giving up a goal to Jordan Schweitzer just two minutes into the game. The early deficit was quickly erased 14 minutes later when Djiby Fall leveled the score for FC Cincinnati.

The Orange and Blue’s continued to pressure OCB after the Djiby goal and peppered the OCB goal throughout the game. The Orange and Blue’s dominated possession and limited OCB to only three attempts after they scored. The game really opened up for FC Cincinnati in the 86th minute when Pierre Da Silva was yellow carded for a tackle on Kadeem Dacres. Da Silva immediately argued the call and was issued a red and was sent off for the remaining four-plus minutes. FC Cincinnati however, could not capitalize on the man advantage and the game finished 1-1, giving FC Cincinnati a frustrating point.

Coach Alan Koch and the players have done a fantastic job in executing a tactical masterpiece against another MLS side that was looking to take down FCC. As with the Columbus Crew, the Chicago Fire did not play their reserves in this Open Cup match. However, FC Cincinnati did not roll out their top lineup to start, due to injury with a little focus on the match against Orlando City B. The victory over Chicago now sends FCC to face a solid Miami FC club in Miami on July 12 in the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup. Before that, FCC has two crucial USL matchups against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on the road and a big home match against the Richmond Kickers.

For this to be a successful two-game stretch, FC Cincinnati must get no less than three points out of these two matches. Four points would be great and a full six points would be an incredible result.

Below is the full penalty kick shootout from the US Open Cup match against Chicago.