FC Cincinnati 2 suffered their first preseason loss, falling to the University of Kentucky, 2-1, at Mercy Heath Training Center on Saturday afternoon.
Jesús Castellano scored his first preseason goal in the 6th minute to give the Orange and Blue an early lead. A midfield turnover from the Wildcats led to the chance with the ball finding its way out to Isaiah Foster down the left wing.
Foster whipped in a well-placed cross that found Castellano with an inch of space in behind the Kentucky defense and the crafty forward did well to keep his composure, finding the back of the net with relative ease.
Kentucky responded to the early goal creating a few dangerous chances of their own and found an equalizer in the 25th minute. Each side created additional chances in the final 15 minutes of the first half but were unable to capitalize as the teams went into the break level, 1-1.
FC Cincinnati 2 opened the second half on the front foot generating a few quality chances that were ultimately dealt with by the Kentucky defense. The Orange and Blue’s best chance of the second half came in the 66th minute as Ben Stitz took aim from just inside the Kentucky box but pushed his attempt wide of the post.
Kentucky broke the deadlock in the 77th minute which would prove to be the match-winner. Next up for the Orange and Blue is Chicago Fire FC II in Grand Park, Indiana on March 9 as preparations for the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro season continues.
