If you haven’t realized that every matchday is “Lucho Day”, you’re probably not watching the best team in the MLS. Lucho placed the ball on a platter for an assist and followed that up with a technician’s goal two minutes later to win the Ohio Derby. Here’s how it happened.
The first 70 minutes of this match were a defensive clinic by FCC. With 17 clearances, 12 interceptions, and 3 saves by Celentano, FCC wouldn’t be broken.
In the 73rd minute, Lucho worked his way to the touch line and lofted a cross to the back post. 19 year old forward Kevin Kelsy was right in position to open his account with FC Cincinnati as he slotted home a beautiful header.
Two minutes later, Lucho found himself with some space on the left side of the box. A through ball found him and he banged it past the goalkeeper toward the back post.
Most positive moves FCC makes, you’ll find Lucho directly involved. Notching two more goal involvements in today’s match, Lucho begins building on his lead as the clubs’s all-time top goal scorer. Celentano attacked shots aggressively, picking up 3 saves, but not much was asked of him. Despite Arfsten breaking through in the last minute, FCC dominated this match.
FC Cincinnati ultimately scores 2 goals to take the win.
Player Ratings
GK Roman Celentano 8
Not much asked of him, but when he was challenged, he attacked the shot aggressively. Nothing he could do about Arften’s curler at the last gasp. A previous shot deflected into open space for Arfsten leaving Celentano stranded.
DF Miles Robinson 6
Robinson was tasked with defending the right side in front of Celentano this match. He held a high line most of the match, but did leave Diego Rossi wide open for a shot early on. Probably should have had a headed goal from a fantastic cross by Orellano.
DF Matt Miazga 7
The anchor of the defense as usual. Miazga let nothing by him directly but was occasionally caught out of position, opening up lanes for the Columbus Crew that they failed to take advantage of.
DF Ian Murphy 6
Much like Robinson, Murphy held a high line on his side – even forcing an offsides – but pushed too far inside the box on occasion to allow open shots.
MF Alvas Powell NR
Mostly ineffective. Powell didn’t instigate much in this match, allowing the ball to come to him before moving forward. Subbed early as he may have picked up a knock.
MF Pavel Bucha 7
Actually, did not do much except find Lucho for the second goal. The through ball was slotted through with incredible touch and allowed Acosta to operate with space. Fantastic assist.
MF Obinna Nwobodo 6
Very active defensively. Even in the final third, always seemed focused on maintaining possession for FCC.
MF Luca Orellano 8
What an activity rate. Took most of FCC’s crosses. Should have had a goal right after the break if not for a nice save at the near post. Pestered Columbus’s defense enough to take their eye off Acosta.
CAM Luciano Acosta 10 – MAN OF THE MATCH
What more can you say? Two goal involvements. Always threatening. Acosta is at the center of every forward movement. Created chances for Kubo and Orellano that unfortunately could not be finished. With his work, probably should have been 4-1.
FW Corey Baird 5
Lost. Ineffective. Sometimes in Acosta’s way. Had one chance, but failed to take it. Subbed off for Kelsy in the 67th minute.
FW Yuya Kubo 7
Much like Orellano – very active. Had a chance in extra time of the first half that really should have been a goal. Acosta set him up with a lane to take the far post and he placed it way too close to the goalkeeper.
Substitutes
MF Gerardo Valenzuela 6
On for Powell in the 13th minute. Valenzuela was not a huge factor, but he performed admirably and opened space for Acosta several time.
FW Kevin Kelsy 9
Fantastic way to open your account with your new club. FCC have the option to purchase him at the end of his loan for $7 million. With a few more goals like that, they just might.
CAM Malik Pinto NR
A last minute substitute to protect Acosta and become more defensive as a unit.
