CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati got back in the win column Wednesday night, defeating D.C. United 2-1 at TQL Stadium behind a second-half goal from defender Teenage Hadebe.
After Sunday's frustrating 2-0 loss to Columbus, the Orange and Blue needed a victory to strengthen their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Goals from David Doudera and Hadebe delivered three important points, improving Cincinnati's record to 10-11-9 with 39 points.
The victory also ended Cincinnati's two-match home losing streak and gave the club some momentum heading into another meeting with D.C. United on Saturday.
Doudera Strikes First
Cincinnati created several early opportunities, with Kévin Denkey sending a shot over the goal in the third minute and Tom Barlow getting a header away in the eighth.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Doudera scored from the center of the penalty area, driving a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead.
D.C. United gradually worked its way into the match, with Roman Celentano saving an Andre Dozzell attempt in the 21st minute. The visitors continued to create opportunities before finally equalizing in the 38th minute, when Kimito Nono scored with his left foot from the center of the box. João Peglow provided the assist, with Dozzell also contributing to the buildup.
The teams entered halftime tied 1-1, leaving Cincinnati needing another goal to take advantage of playing at home, in a need-to-have-it match.
Hadebe Delivers the Winner
Cincinnati made one change at halftime, bringing Bryan Ramírez on for Tyrell Malacia, and began the second half looking to regain control.
The decisive moment came in the 55th minute when Hadebe scored from close range, directing a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner. Evander provided the assist, giving Cincinnati a 2-1 lead that the Orange and Blue would never surrender.
It was an important contribution from a defender on a night when Cincinnati needed someone to step forward offensively.
D.C. United tried to respond, but Celentano stopped Peglow's attempt in the 57th minute, and Nono missed the target in the 65th. Cincinnati also had opportunities to extend its lead, including a Tom Barlow header in the 75th minute that failed to find the net.
With the match approaching its final stages, D.C. pressed for another equalizer. Kyle Smith blocked Peglow's attempt in the 84th minute, and Cincinnati managed the remaining minutes to preserve its one-goal advantage.
The Orange and Blue held on through five minutes of stoppage time, securing a much-needed victory and three very important points.
What's Next
FC Cincinnati travels to Washington on Saturday, October 24, for another matchup with D.C. United at Audi Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with the match available on Apple TV.
