HARRISON, N.J. – In an exhilarating Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs showdown, FC Cincinnati emerged victorious in a heart-stopping penalty kick shootout, triumphing 8-7 over the New York Red Bulls after a 1-1 draw on Saturday night in Game 2 of the Round One Best-of-3 series. The Orange and Blue's resounding victory sends them through to the single-elimination Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they will eagerly await the winner of the matchup between the No. 4 Philadelphia Union and No. 5 New England Revolution.
With the first game of the series already won 3-0 by FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium, the stakes were high in this winner-takes-all match, thanks to the newly introduced Best-of-3 format for the opening round of the playoffs.
The Red Bulls struck first, with Tom Barlow finding the back of the net in the 45th minute after a deflected shot from Frankie Amaya fell kindly to his feet. The forward capitalized on the opportunity and beat FC Cincinnati's goalkeeper, Roman Celentano, from close range.
FC Cincinnati, however, wasn't ready to bow out of the playoffs just yet. In the 75th minute, Aaron Boupendza, who came on as a first-half substitute, orchestrated a brilliant equalizer. With a creative dribble near midfield, Boupendza initiated the attack and linked up with Luciano Acosta. Acosta, displaying incredible patience, delivered a perfectly-weighted pass for Boupendza, who unleashed a powerful shot to the far post, evading the outstretched arm of Red Bulls' goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Boupendza's goal marked his first-ever MLS postseason strike.
The match reached its climax when FCC almost secured a late winner seven minutes into stoppage time, directly from a corner kick. However, VAR intervened, identifying a foul in the box on Coronel and thwarting FC Cincinnati's celebration.
With the score level at 1-1 at the end of regulation time, the game was destined for penalties. FC Cincinnati's Luciano Acosta coolly converted their first attempt, but the Red Bulls matched them shot for shot. In the fifth round, John Tolkin's attempt for New York hit the post, leading to a sudden-death shootout.
Both teams continued to exhibit remarkable composure, converting their spot kicks for six consecutive rounds. It wasn't until the ninth round that both clubs missed their attempts. In the 10th round, Junior Moreno converted for FC Cincinnati, and then it was Roman Celentano's turn to shine. The goalkeeper saved Ándres Reyes' shot, securing a thrilling 8-7 penalty shootout win for the Orange and Blue.
FC Cincinnati improved their 2023 penalty shootout record to 3-2 with this nail-biting victory. Now, the team awaits the conclusion of Round One and the upcoming FIFA international break, returning to TQL Stadium for the Eastern Conference Semifinals on either November 25 or 26.
This intense and unforgettable match showcased the resilience and determination of FC Cincinnati as they fought their way to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Fans can purchase tickets for the upcoming match, set to take place at TQL Stadium, starting on Monday, November 6, at 10 a.m. for Season Ticket Members and Orange & Blue Reserve Members, with the public on-sale beginning at 1 p.m. For more information and updates, visit FCCincinnati.com/Playoffs23.
FC Cincinnati's victory over the New York Red Bulls marked the second consecutive year they've eliminated their opponents in the opening round of the playoffs. With a history of success against the Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati looks poised for an exciting playoff run in the 2023 MLS season.
