We’ve got more MLS Cup Playoff action for you as FC Cincinnati knocked off NYCFC in the series opener between the two Eastern Conference foes, and Seattle host Houston later on in the evening.
Here is what has gone down so far.
FC Cincinnati 1-0 NYCFC
Cincinnati took their first step towards advancing with a solid 1-0 home win agains the Pigeons in the series opener thanks to a Yamil Asad winner.
Pat Noonan’s side had gone cold coming into the postseason, winning just one of their last five regular season games, but they looked well on their way to rediscovering their 2023 form against the visitors from the Bronx Monday evening.
After creating the bulk of the opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, Cincinnati were rewarded for their efforts after the break when Yamil Asad was picked out by reigning MVP winner Lucho Acosta.
While NYCFC pushed to get back into the match and potentially force penalties, they struggled to get through a solid Cincinnati rearguard, and were perhaps lucky to not get burned the other direction after pouring numbers forward.
After failing to find the equalizer, and even being denied a late penalty in controversial fashion, attention will turn back to the Big Apple, where Nick Cushing’s side will look to find the leveler in the series next week.
To make matters worse for NYCFC, Tayvon Gray was shown a straight red card after throwing an elbow into the face of Lucho Acosta just seconds before the final whistle, meaning he will miss game two of the series, at a minimum.