FC Cincinnati went into their match against the Chicago Fire in great form on Saturday, having won their last three matches. Chicago on the other hand had been struggling. The Fire had only came away with 2 out of a possible 6 points in their last three matches. This was a prime opportunity for the orange and blue to come away with a win and keep pace in the Eastern Conference.
This is how FC Cincinnati lined up to start the game:
FC Cincinnati had been without their star midfielder Evander for the past two games, but he got the start in this game and made his presence known just 9 minutes into the game.
The Chicago Fire would strike next. In the 31st minute, Hugo Cuypers would bag his 6th goal of the season to even things up for the Fire.
Things wouldn’t be level for long though as the orange and blue would go back in front thanks to a goal in the 42nd minute from striker Kevin Denkey.
Denkey honored former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza, who tragically passed away last week after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China. He was only 28 years old.
FC Cincinnati would take a 2-1 lead into the half.
After a back and forth second half, Evander would add to FC Cincinnati’s lead in the 71st minute with his sixth goal of the season.
It felt like the game was over at this point, but Chicago kept fighting and in the 85th minute they got one back via a penalty kick from Brian Gutierrez to make it 3-2.
FC Cincinnati would ultimately hold on to their lead however and defeat the Fire, 3-2.
With this win FC Cincinnati improved to 5-1-1 all-time in Chicago, which is the most road wins they have against any other MLS opponent.
This win also moved the orange and blue into second place in the Eastern Conference. They are currently sitting on the same amount of points as first place Charlotte, but Charlotte have them on goal differential.
FC Cincinnati will now head home and prepare for a matchup against Sporting KC, who currently sit in 13th place in the Western Conference. That game will take place at TQL Stadium this coming Saturday at 2:30 PM.
If this team can continue to get and stay healthy, look out. I don’t think they’ve even scratched the surface of how good they can be and that’s scary. Only time will tell though. In the meantime..
UP THE ORANGE AND BLUE!
Ohio Sports Radio 
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