CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati forward Ayoub Jabbari is making a strong case for a larger role as the Orange and Blue prepare for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The young forward has scored five goals across all competitions this season, and every one of them has come after entering a match as a substitute.
His latest contribution came Saturday against the Philadelphia Union, when Jabbari scored the only goal in Cincinnati's 1-0 victory at TQL Stadium. The win secured FCC's fifth consecutive postseason appearance, but Jabbari's performance also showed how valuable he has become to head coach Pat Noonan.
Jabbari entered the match in the 64th minute, replacing Tom Barlow, and needed just six minutes to make an impact. Evander forced Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake into a diving save, and Jabbari reacted quickly to the rebound, putting the ball into the net in the 70th minute.
It was another example of Jabbari's ability to take advantage of limited playing time. His five goals as a substitute leave him just one shy of Cincinnati's single-season club record, an impressive accomplishment for a player who has primarily been used to provide attacking help later in matches.
Jabbari's emergence also gives Noonan more flexibility with his lineup. Cincinnati has established attacking options in Kévin Denkey and Evander, but having a forward capable of contributing immediately off the bench provides another way to challenge opposing defenses.
The Orange and Blue have won three of their last four matches, and Jabbari's contributions have helped Cincinnati find results during an important stretch of the season. His production also gives opposing coaches another player to account for as the postseason approaches.
With Nashville coming to TQL Stadium on Saturday for Decision Day, Cincinnati will again need contributions throughout its lineup. Whether Jabbari eventually earns more opportunities in the starting lineup remains to be seen, but he has already shown that he can make a difference when Noonan calls on him.
