New York City FC 2, FC Cincinnati 1 | 2020 MLS Match Recap

New York City FC extended their unbeaten run to five matches, downing FC Cincinnati 2-1 in Week 11 at Red Bull Arena.

The hosts got off to a strong start, taking three shots in the opening eight minutes. The team maintained this momentum throughout the match, though they were dealt a blow in the 30th minute when Maxi Moralez came off with an injury to his leg.

The team still found a way to score without their reliable attacker, opening the scoring in the 39th minute. Substitute Gary Mackay-Steven found Alexander Ring making a run towards the box, and the team captain scored with only the goalkeeper in front of him.

NYCFC picked up from where they left off in the second half, scoring a second goal only 10 minutes after the break. A ball from an NYCFC corner was deflected out of the penalty area, but the ball fell to the feet of defender Anton Tinnerholm, who sent the ball into the goal.

NYCFC remained dominant for the most of the second half, but Cincinnati managed a stretch of possession midway through the half and ended a goalless streak that lasted more than 500 minutes in the 74th minute. Brandon Vazquez capitalized on a poor giveaway from an NYCFC defender, and scored from inside the penalty area. The goal gave the visitors some life, but NYCFC were able to close out the match and remain in a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Cincinnati, meanwhile, remain on the outside looking in.

Goals

• 39' - NYC - Alexander Ring | WATCH
• 55' - NYC- Anton Tinnerholm | WATCH
• 74' - CIN - Brandon Vazquez | WATCH

Three Things

• THE BIG PICTURE: NYCFC continue a strong run of form with their fourth win in five matches, and they seem to be settling into their new identity under new head coach Ronny Delia. Cincinnati will have a few positives to take away, particularly ending a stretch of five games without a goal, but they found it difficult to truly trouble NYCFC in this match.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: NYCFC were already enjoying a solid night by the start of the second half, but Anton Tinnerholm's strong strike for the team's second goal gave NYCFC a lead that Cincinnati was unable to overcome.
• MAN OF THE MATCH: Anton Tinnerholm enjoyed a solid match on both sides of the field, including the all-important game-winner.

Next Up

• NYC: Saturday, September 19 at New England Revolution (TBD | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
• CIN: Saturday, September 19 at New York Red Bulls (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)