FC Cincinnati make history after 3-0 triumph over Toronto FC
The Ohio based club has won their first 10 MLS home games of the season - a record that hasn't been achieved since 2002.
FC Cincinnati extended their unbeaten streak to 14 games in all competitions after dismantling Toronto FC 3-0 at home, reaching a Major League Soccer record that hasn't been contested in over 20 years.
The Ohio-based team is one of a four to win their first 10 regular-season home games, joining the San Jose Earthquakes who last managed the feat in 2002.
Cincinnati's only loss of the 2023 MLS campaign was back in April against St. Louis City, falling 5-1 before coming back even stronger. Since then, they have yet to lose a game at TQL Stadium in 2023, rendering their home ground a fortress.
The most recent home win was counter-attacking excellence from the Orange and Blue. Despite only having 36% possession, they racked up 2.37 xG and put three past the TFC defense. MVP candidate Luciano Acosta, who may be eligible for U.S. citizenship to join the USMNT in the future, continued his impressive form with one goal and one assist, bringing his tally this season to nine goals and three assists.
"There’s some really good energy in this city right now and you can feel things turning a little bit," Cincy head coach Pat Noonan said.
"The goal is to continue to push forward in a way where there’s trophies at the end of all this. What a team win. [I] couldn’t be more impressed with the team that went out there and played a strong game against a really good team."
While Cincinnati will be without key figures Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga due their call-ups with the USMNT for the Gold Cup, they will have some reinforcements coming in quite soon.
Brenner da Silva will also become unavailble for the team, as he departs for Serie A club Udinese in July. Noonan and technical director Hunter Freeman opted to fill the opening designated player spot left by Brenner by signing Aaron Boupendza from Al Shabab FC, who looks set to make his debut in early July. Boundepza will add to an already stellar attacking unit that boasts Acosta, Vazquez, and Sergio Santos.
The Orange and Blue have dominated in the 2023 season thus far, and it seems like they won't be slowing down anytime soon. After last night's victory, Cincy remain eight points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference table and the Supporters' Shield standings with 43 points from 18 games played.
Cincinnati travels to the U.S. capital to take on Wayne Rooney's improved D.C. United, who currently sit in ninth place in the East, on June 24th.