
Cincy make its Six in a row with Cup win

Cincy celebrate Emmanuel Ledesmas goal in 1-0 win over Chicago Fire.p
FC Cincinnati have today taken their unbeaten run to six games having beaten Chicago Fire in the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup 5th Round.
A 1-0 victory has extended a highly impressive run of six matches without defeat for Paul Kings, FC Cincinnati. The run which began back in May after a 2-1 win over Wayne Rooney's DC United, has seen a run of five wins and a single draw.
However, the run didn’t have the start Cincy would of been looking for, as inside the first ten minuets Luciano Acosta put DC United in front. A penalty in the 43rd minute and a second on the stroke of halftime saw FC Cincinnati take home all three points, with Emmanuel Ledesma wrapping up his brace. The game didn’t end smoothly though as one of Cincy’s key players throughout the season, Rasmus Schüller, was sent off in the 74th minute.
His sending off came before a massively important game, as Cincinnati faced Atlanta United three days later. Atlanta, the current MLS Cup holders, played host to the surprise performers of the league so far and Cincy took the lead in the 18th minute as Dairon Mosquera scored an own goal. Ferrira equalised but goals from captain Kendall Watson and Emmanuel Ledesma sealed a second win over Atlanta in the season.
Ledesma, scoring his third goal in two games, continued his impressive scoring record as Cincinnati struggled through their 4th round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Adam Jahn opened the scoring for Phoenix but goals from Ledesma and David Cooper gave Cincy the lead up until the 84 minute. José Aguinaga capitalised on a lapse in concentration in Cincy’s makeshift defence, equalising for the USL side. Second pick in the 2019 Superdraft, David Cooper, ensured the Orange and Blacks victory as in the 3rd minute of extra time, as Cooper sealed his brace.
With three wins in a row, Brian Blacks 35 minute winner against Portland Timbers made it four in a row despite a much changed lineup due to a combination of injuries and players away at the Gold Cup. Houston Dynamo scored a 92nd minute goal to save a late draw against Cincy who opened the scoring through Emmanuel Ledesma, a clear standout throughout the run.
The run led into the 5th round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, when Chicago Fire welcomed FC Cincinnati. With number one keeper Przemyslaw Tyton, injured for three weeks, Eric Kronberg made his debut for the side, in another, much rotated side. The rotation did not affect Cincy, as Emmaneul Ledesma scored once again to see his side progress into the quarter finals.
“This run has been very enjoyable so far. We have come up against and beaten some very good sides, and if we hadn’t conceded that very late goal against Houston, it would be six wins in six. It is something we can be proud of, but it is also something we want to continue on with starting in our next game against Vancouver Whitecaps.” the FC Cincinnati manager commented on the run.
With Western Conference leaders, Vancouver Whitecaps coming up next for Cincy, it will be a very tough challenge for them to continue their run. It will only be made harder with key players such as Przemyslaw Tyton, captain Kendall Watson and Alvas Powell all still out of contention for the game. However, the Orange and Blue will be with in form winger Emmanuel Ledesma.
“I am very happy with my form at the moment. I have scored some important goals recently and I have six goals in our current run. I am happy I can contribute to this great team run and hopefully this can continue.” a clearly happy, Emmanuel Ledesma stated.
With Cincinnati progressing in the U.S Open Cup, they will face Philadelphia Union in the Quarter Finals, on 16th July.
Replies
Scott: From Kings view, it is all well and good to be top of the league after 20 games but if you are not there come the end of the regular season what is the point. Getting to the play-offs is the main aim for the regular season then the focus turns to the play offs.
Justice: King certainly represents everything that is right with America, Harambe loving men! #DicksOutForHarambe
BigMaguire: Thank you. King certainly has played at a good level in college but having Coach Dayes a former international player and Avram Grant surrounding him he has certainly got some good mentors.
Jack: Coach Dayes certainly impacted King in a very positive way and his assesment of King becoming a great coach is seemingly coming true. However, that won't be confirmed unless King can continue the start he has had to MLS life.
Jim: We all love Coach Dayes! A true hero, he has certainly been a great mentor for King and has played a huge role in his life as a coach and mentor.