In a thrilling encounter at TQL Stadium on Saturday night, May 10, 2025, FC Cincinnati edged past Austin FC with a final score of 2-1, thanks to a late goal from Gerardo "Dado" Valenzuela. The match, which drew a sellout crowd of 25,513, saw Cincinnati reclaim a share of the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Brandon Vazquez, a former fan favorite for Cincinnati, made headlines by scoring a penalty in the 48th minute to equalize for Austin FC. However, it was Valenzuela's moment that stole the show, as he netted the game-winner in the 76th minute, securing all three points for the home side.
The match began with Cincinnati taking control early, and it wasn't long before they found the back of the net. Evander opened the scoring in the 12th minute, firing a shot from 18 yards that curled inside the post after receiving a precise pass from Lukas Engel. This goal marked Evander's seventh of the season, showcasing his importance to the team.
Despite Cincinnati's early lead, Austin FC didn't back down. They fought hard and managed to keep the pressure on Cincinnati throughout the first half, but the score remained 1-0 at the break. Cincinnati outshot their opponents 8-4 in the first half and maintained a steady rhythm.
As the second half kicked off, Austin FC came out with renewed vigor, and it paid off quickly. Just three minutes into the half, a handball by Teenage Hadebe in the penalty area led to a penalty kick for Austin. Vazquez stepped up and coolly converted, placing the ball into the bottom left corner of the net, leveling the match at 1-1.
This was a significant goal for Vazquez, who had previously spent four successful seasons with Cincinnati, scoring 43 goals during his tenure. His time with Cincinnati included an impressive 18-goal season in 2022, earning him All-Star selections and a Supporters’ Shield title. Notably, this penalty was Vazquez's third goal for Austin FC since his transfer from CF Monterrey.
After the equalizer, the match became a back-and-forth battle, with both teams creating opportunities. However, it was Cincinnati who found the breakthrough. Valenzuela, a 20-year-old homegrown talent, entered the match just eight minutes before scoring the decisive goal. In the 76th minute, Evander lofted a perfectly timed pass into the box, and Valenzuela made no mistake, firing it into the open net from close range.
Valenzuela's goal was his second of the season, following his crucial strike in a previous match against D.C. United. His emergence as a key player for Cincinnati has been a bright spot this season, and his contributions were pivotal in this match.
With the win, FC Cincinnati improved their record to 8-3-1, bringing their total points to 25 and placing them in a tie for first in the Eastern Conference with Columbus Crew, who drew 2-2 with Philadelphia Union on the same night. Cincinnati holds the top spot based on the number of wins, as they have achieved 8 victories compared to Columbus's 7.
In terms of statistics, Cincinnati dominated the match, outshooting Austin FC 18-10 overall. They displayed a strong offensive performance, with multiple players contributing to the attack. Despite some missed opportunities, the team's resilience shone through.
In the lineup, Cincinnati was without midfielder Obinna Nwobodo, who missed his fifth consecutive game. Luca Orellano returned to the starting formation at right wing back, while Yuya Kubo played a central midfield role, even donning a jersey with his name in Japanese to celebrate Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders night.
Defensively, Cincinnati faced a challenge when Matt Miazga had to leave the game late in the first half due to hamstring tightness, leading to Teenage Hadebe stepping in to fill the gap.
Looking ahead, FC Cincinnati will embark on a challenging three-game road trip, starting with a midweek matchup against Toronto FC on May 14. Following that, they will face their rivals in the Hell is Real derby against Columbus Crew on May 17, before heading to Atlanta for another crucial encounter on May 25. Cincinnati will return to TQL Stadium for a home game against FC Dallas on May 28, where they will welcome back Luciano Acosta, who left the club during the preseason.
As the season progresses, Cincinnati's performance continues to impress, and their ability to secure late-game victories positions them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. With young talents like Valenzuela stepping up, the future looks bright for FC Cincinnati as they aim for success in the 2025 MLS season.
