RELATED: Dayton could help FC Cincinnati’s bid to join MLS
FCC, which plays in the United Soccer League, becomes the first non-Major League Soccer club to advance to the final four since 2011 and will host MLS side New York Red Bulls in the semifinals on Aug. 15.
Though Wednesday was a match up of two second-tier teams, a Cincinnati win, at times, seemed improbable. Miami’s high-pressure attack threatened throughout the game, but couldn’t break FCC’s defense. All it took was one good chance for the visitors to advance.
Cincinnati hasn’t surrendered a goal in the tournament, including four 1-0 wins and another decided in penalty kicks, while Miami had outscored its previous four opponents 11-5.
Not surprisingly, it was Djiby Fall that scored the game-winner, poking in a shot between the legs of Miami goalie Daniel Vega in the 68th minute. Fall has scored all four of FCC's goals in five Open Cup matches and is the first player in the modern era to tally four goals in one tournament. The lone game he did not score in was the Round of 16 match won in penalty kicks against the Chicago Fire, which he sat out with an injury.
RELATED: FC Cincinnati tops Columbus Crew
Outside midfielder Justin Hoyte, who often plays center back, beat his man on the left flank and sent in a pass to Fall to set up the goal Wednesday. FCC had just brought on Lakota West High School graduate Matt Bahner for midfielder Kevin Schindler a few minutes prior, substituting defense for offense in an apparent effort to counter a barrage of attempts by Miami.
The move proved important for Cincinnati, as Miami wasn’t done challenging. In the 89th minute, the hosts nearly leveled the score on a shot by midfield sensation Kwadwo Poku, but FCC goalie Mitch Hildebrandt did just enough to deny the goal and push it wide.
Hildebrandt finished with three saves behind an FCC defense that withstood 12 total shots and overcame 57 percent of the possession time going in Miami’s favor. Despite playing much of the night in its defensive third, FC Cincinnati finished with 13 shots, including three on frame.
FCC now returns home for a USL match against Orlando City B on Saturday and has almost two weeks to prepare for New York. Tickets for the semifinals are immediately on sale for season ticket holders and will open up to the general public on Aug. 8.
About the Author