New York City FC marked Star Wars Day with a thrilling 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati at Citi Field on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The win was significant as it not only secured NYCFC's second consecutive victory but also ended Cincinnati's impressive five-match winning streak in Major League Soccer (MLS).
In a match filled with excitement, Julián Fernández emerged as the hero for NYCFC, scoring the only goal of the game in the 9th minute. The 21-year-old forward, who had struggled to find the back of the net in previous seasons, displayed remarkable composure as he slammed a side-footed finish past Cincinnati's goalkeeper Roman Celentano. This goal marked Fernández's second of the season, and he justified his inclusion in the starting lineup after head coach Pascal Jansen made several tactical changes.
Despite the early lead, the match was not without drama. Just minutes later, NYCFC was awarded a penalty kick when Alonso Martínez was fouled in the box by Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga. However, Martínez's attempt from the spot hit the right post, leaving the score at 1-0. This miss was particularly notable as it was Martínez's second penalty miss of the season, raising questions about his reliability in that role.
As the match progressed, Cincinnati began to apply pressure, hoping to equalize. The visitors had entered the match on a high, boasting a record of 7-2-1 and a three-match road win streak. However, NYCFC's defense, led by goalkeeper Matt Freese, held firm. Freese made a total of four saves throughout the match, three of which came in the second half, ensuring that NYCFC recorded its second straight clean sheet.
New York City FC's defensive unit was particularly effective in neutralizing Cincinnati's star players, including Kevin Denkey and Evander, both of whom had been in fine form leading into the match. Denkey failed to register a shot, while Evander struggled to find his rhythm, managing only three shots, none of which were on target.
After the halftime break, Cincinnati came out stronger, eager to find an equalizer. Gerardo Valenzuela had a couple of close chances, but Freese was up to the task, making key saves that preserved the lead. NYCFC's resilience was on full display as they absorbed the pressure and looked to counterattack.
In the final moments of the match, NYCFC made strategic substitutions to maintain their advantage, bringing in fresh legs to help secure the win. The team’s tactical adjustments, including moving Justin Haak from defense to midfield after an injury to Keaton Parks, proved effective as they managed to stave off Cincinnati's late attempts to score.
With this victory, NYCFC improved their record to 5-4-2, propelling them from 10th to 7th place in the Eastern Conference standings. The win also marked a significant psychological boost for the team, having eliminated Cincinnati from the playoffs in the previous season.
Looking ahead, NYCFC will face CF Montréal next Saturday, May 10, 2025. Montréal currently sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and has struggled to find form this season, making it a crucial match for NYCFC to continue their momentum. Fans will be eagerly anticipating whether NYCFC can extend their winning streak to three games.
As for FC Cincinnati, they will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to host Austin FC on the same day. The team will be looking to bounce back and reclaim their position at the top of the Eastern Conference.
In conclusion, NYCFC's performance against FC Cincinnati showcased their potential as they continue to build towards a successful season. With a strong defense and key players like Julián Fernández stepping up, the team is looking to make a mark in the MLS this year.
