In a thrilling MLS matchup on Wednesday night, FC Cincinnati defeated New York City FC 2-1 at home, sealing the win with a stoppage‑time goal from midfielder Evander da Silva Ferreira. The result gave the Riverhawks three points and kept them competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Key moments
The game opened with a quick strike from NYCFC. Defender Kevin O’Toole cleared a ball‑ahead from midfield, but Kenji Mboma Dem pounced on the loose ball and fired a sliding first‑touch shot into the net in the 11th minute, giving the visitors an early lead.
Cincinnati responded in the 21st minute when Luighi Hanri Sousa Santos, known simply as “Luighi,” found the back of the net for NYCFC. A quick give‑and‑go between Agustin Ojeda and Nicolas Fernandez set up a cross that Luighi volleyed past goalkeeper Matt Freese.
FC Cincinnati equalized later in the first half when Evander da Silva Ferreira, playing with his back to goal, redirected a low shot from near the right corner of the penalty arc into the net. The 28‑year‑old midfielder, who leads the league in goal contributions, assists and outside‑the‑box goals, helped restore parity.
Stoppage‑time heroics
With the match tied at 1‑1 heading into the final minutes, both teams pressed for a winner. In the added time, Evander da Silva Ferreira again proved decisive. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, he turned a low shot from the right side of the penalty arc and placed it beyond the keeper, delivering the winning goal for Cincinnati.
The goal sparked celebrations among the home crowd and underscored Ferreira’s impact this season. He currently tops the MLS leaderboard with 22 goal contributions, 11 assists and six goals scored from outside the box.
Goalkeeping and defensive effort
Roman Celentano was a standout for Cincinnati, making back‑to‑back saves just over a minute into the second half to preserve the tie and finishing the night with seven saves. His performance helped keep the Riverhawks in the game during a period when NYCFC threatened to extend their lead.
Matt Freese recorded five saves for NYCFC, but his efforts were not enough to prevent the late comeback.
Season context
FC Cincinnati improves its record with the win, while NYCFC remains strong at home, holding a 6‑2‑2 record at their own venue. The Riverhawks look to build on this momentum as the MLS season progresses, hoping to climb the standings and secure a playoff berth.
Both clubs will next face upcoming league opponents, with Cincinnati aiming to maintain its home‑field advantage and NYCFC seeking to rebound from the loss.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
