For the first time in club history FC Cincinnati has earned a victory in continental competition and have set themselves up well for the return match of the opening round by securing the 2-0 victory in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Orange and Blue dominated possession, with Cavalier happy to sit in their own end and try to defend the FCC attack and pounce on the counter. The hosts had a few dangerous moments in the opening half of play, earning a shot on net from a breakaway, but it was FC Cincinnati who got on the board first right before half time with a Sergio Santos chip, assisted by Bret Halsey.
FCC continued to dominate in the second half, but it wasn’t until the 83rd minute that Malik Pinto doubled the lead for the Orange and Blue, securing the result and giving FCC the upper hand in the aggregate matchup.
Roman Celentano kept the sheet clean in his 2024 debut match.
Four FC Cincinnati players made their debuts in the match, with Corey Baird, Pavel Bucha and Miles Robinson all featuring in the starting lineup. Kipp Keller was subbed on for Matt Miazga in the 83rd minute to make his debut.
FC Cincinnati will host the Jamaican Premier League leading side next Wednesday February 28 at TQL Stadium for the second leg of the home-and-home series. With the result, FC Cincinnati will only need to ensure a draw or better to advance to the next round in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Next up for FC Cincinnati though is their MLS season opener Sunday February 25 at 2:30 p.m. against Toronto FC at TQL Stadium. Prior to the match FCC will unveil their Supporters' Shield banner to celebrate their historic 2023 season before turning the page to 2024.
