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As FC Cincinnati faced the Colorado Rapids this past Saturday at TQL Stadium, there was a palpable determination among the team to excel on their home turf. After enduring a 34-day winless streak at home and breaking a two-game losing streak the previous week in Atlanta, the team was intent on delivering a strong performance for their local fans.
Coach Pat Noonan articulated a reflective but optimistic outlook during the pre-game period, emphasizing the importance of a home-field victory and the expectation of an engaging match for the spectators. True to his vision, the team not only won but did so with style and grit, defeating the Rapids 2-1 and securing their second consecutive win.
The game saw FC Cincinnati dominate their opponents for most of the match, effectively controlling the game with a 57.7 percent possession and a season-high 25 shots, 12 of which were on target. These stats underscored a significant advantage over the Rapids, setting the tone for a competitive match.
In his postgame remarks, Noonan expressed satisfaction with the team's overall effort:
"Really pleased with the overall performance," he noted. "Maybe the score line, based on how we played, was not as reflective as you'd like. But it's hard to be critical…really pleased with the group and having another overall strong team performance."
Highlighting individual performances, Luciano Acosta, FC Cincinnati's all-time leading scorer, added another goal to his tally, marking his 44th career goal with the club across all competitions—the most by any player in the club’s history. This milestone further cements his legacy within the team. The goal, a well-executed finish following a seamless passing play with teammate Corey Baird, sparked excitement and was pivotal in securing the lead before halftime.
Noonan praised Acosta’s resilience and impact, especially given the defensive focus he often commands from opponents:
"What makes him special is his ability to impact the game even under intense focus," Noonan remarked. "I thought the goal was outstanding."
Moreover, the game also featured a notable moment for Baird, who scored his first goal of the season, an achievement that brought palpable relief and joy not only to him but also to his teammates and fans. Noonan highlighted Baird’s perseverance and tactical play, which finally paid off, adding,
"He’s doing simple things that are continuing to put him in a position to finish off plays, and that’s the missing piece."
The team's emotional response to Baird's goal underscored the collective spirit and camaraderie within the squad, elements that are essential as they look ahead to upcoming challenges.
With 18 points from 10 matches, placing them second in the Eastern Conference standings, FC Cincinnati is poised for continued success. As they prepare for their next matches on the road, including a highly anticipated face-off with Orlando City SC, the unity and performance level seen at TQL Stadium are promising indicators of their potential trajectory this season.
Coach Noonan summed up the team’s current ethos succinctly: "Individual players are performing, and so, the group looks a lot better. That's probably the thing that sticks out the most."
FC Cincinnati is set to continue their campaign, aiming to maintain their form and cohesion in the upcoming fixtures, which will surely be crucial for their season aspirations.
