CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati returned to TQL Stadium Wednesday night hoping to build on Saturday's victory over Atlanta United, but the Orange and Blue couldn't carry that momentum into another win. Despite taking an early lead and mounting a second-half comeback, Cincinnati fell 3-2 to the New England Revolution.
Tom Barlow opened the scoring in the 13th minute, but New England answered with three consecutive goals before Kévin Denkey brought Cincinnati back within striking distance. The home side pressed for an equalizer throughout the final stages but couldn't overcome the deficit.
The defeat was particularly frustrating for Cincinnati, which entered the match looking to strengthen its position in the Eastern Conference standings after ending a nine-match winless streak Saturday.
Early Lead Slips Away
Cincinnati nearly opened the scoring in the third minute when Tyrell Malacia forced New England goalkeeper Matt Turner into an early save. Ten minutes later, Malacia helped create the breakthrough, setting up Barlow for a left-footed finish from the left side of the penalty area.
The 1-0 lead lasted only eight minutes. Dor Turgeman equalized in the 21st minute, collecting a pass from Peyton Miller and driving a right-footed shot into the upper-right corner of the net.
New England continued creating opportunities and took the lead shortly before halftime. Carles Gil delivered a corner kick in the 43rd minute that Joshua Wynder headed into the bottom-right corner, sending the Revolution into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Cincinnati generated several chances of its own during the opening half, but Turner made important saves to prevent the Orange and Blue from regaining the lead.
Denkey Gives Cincinnati Hope
The Revolution extended their advantage in the 51st minute when Miller set up Turgeman for his second goal of the evening. The forward finished from close range to make it 3-1, leaving Cincinnati with considerable work to do.
Cincinnati responded by increasing its attacking pressure, and Denkey delivered in the 67th minute. After Samuel Gidi helped initiate the attack, Malacia provided the final pass, allowing Denkey to finish from the center of the box and cut New England's lead to 3-2.
The goal was Denkey's third in Cincinnati's last two matches, following his two-goal performance against Atlanta on Saturday.
Cincinnati continued searching for the equalizer, creating several late opportunities. Denkey had a header saved by Turner in the 88th minute, while Gerardo Valenzuela forced another save during stoppage time.
The Orange and Blue also earned multiple late corner kicks, but New England's defense held firm. A Denkey attempt was blocked deep into stoppage time, and the Revolution escaped with all three points.
What's Next
FC Cincinnati will look to rebound Sunday when the Columbus Crew visit TQL Stadium for the Hell Is Real Derby. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, with the match available on Apple TV.
The rivalry matchup takes on additional importance following Wednesday's defeat, particularly with Columbus coming off a 3-1 victory over Charlotte FC. Both Ohio clubs will be looking to carry three important points into the final stretch of their respective seasons.
