FC Cincinnati 0, Philadelphia Union 0 | 2020 MLS Match Recap

FC Cincinnati battled to their fourth straight 0-0 draw at Nippert Stadium this season, holding a surging Philadelphia Union squad to a scoreless stalemate Wednesday night. There were zero shots registered on goal until the 92nd minute when Joseph-Claude Gyau’s left-footed effort was denied by Andre Blake.

Jurgen Locadia continued his net-front frustrations, missing a golden chance to put Cincy ahead in the 61st minute. The Dutch forward made a far-post run, but ultimately sent Allan Cruz’s pinpoint cross wide when a one-touch finish was required.

On a day when MLSsoccer.com’s Tom Bogert reported that Philadelphia and RB Salzburg have reached a verbal agreement over the transfer of Brenden Aaronson, the 19-year-old midfielder was relatively quiet before being withdrawn in the 72nd minute for Sergio Santos. 

Santos came close in the 78th minute, though his left-footed effort skimmed off the back post and out for a goal kick. The Brazilian forward collected a squared ball and beat goalkeeper Spencer Richey, only to miss by inches.

FC Cincy nearly scored in the 89th minute when center back Kendall Waston headed across goal, but Philadelphia midfielder Jose Martinez cleared it off the line. Cruz was nearby and ready to pounce, though the Venezuelan got there first after Haris Medujanin’s free kick was cycled back across goal.

Goals

• None

Three Things

• THE BIG PICTURE: Philly’s three-game win streak came to an end, a stretch where they averaged three goals per game. To be held scoreless and without a shot on goal is reason for concern, though the big-picture takeaway is they’re still one of the East’s top teams. It also came against an FC Cincinnati squad that often takes a defense-first approach. They’re yet to score in four games at home this year, a fact that weighs heavily on their strikers and Designated Players.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Near-misses defined the Orange and Blue’s night, though none was perhaps more glaring than Jurgen Locadia’s scuffed effort in the 61st minute. Allan Cruz put his cross on a platter, and all Locadia had to do was tap home.
• MAN OF THE MATCH: There was no goalscorer carrying the postgame glory, so we're going with Union center back Jakob Glesnes. He’s a big part of their defensive rotation alongside Jack Elliott and Mark McKenzie, and the Norwegian put in a really solid shift.

Next Up

• CIN: Saturday, Sept. 26 at New York City FC (7:00 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US)
• PHI: Sunday, Sept. 27 vs. Inter Miami CF (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)