FC Cincinnati easily defeated Cavalier FC, 4-0, on Wednesday night, largely thanks to their developing players, securing a trip to the Concacaf Champions Cup’s next round against CF Monterrey.
Three players made their team debuts, one player recorded their first assist, and three others scored their first goals. Eight players who played a lot of minutes for FC Cincinnati 2 in 2023 appeared overall, demonstrating the excellent growth occurring within the FCC structure.
Regarding the win, head coach Pat Noonan expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “We emphasised the significance of maintaining a clean sheet and goal differential, as well as the necessity of attacking and playing the game correctly.
“I thought the score line was good. I’m pleased with the guys who helped out and had solid minutes tonight, giving us some much-needed downtime for a few of us. A successful series for our team, and we’re off to a strong start.”
After 81 career games, Alvas Powell scored the first goal for the team in the 19th minute. Before the halftime siren went off, Aaron Boupendza scored a thunderous strike to double the lead, effectively sealing the victory for FCC.
However, players’ fingerprints were left all over the game, many of them from the start.
At just 19 years and 150 days old, Gerardo “Dado” Valenzuela became the youngest player in club history to receive an assist on the Boupendza goal. Powell received his pass from Bret Halsey, who by the end of the game had two assists, on a platter to put in the goal. Malik Pinto moved confidently and deftly around the midfield. Over the course of the night, Arquimides Ordoñez helped create dangerous opportunities by patrolling at the top of the field.
Noonan unleashed his entire group of kids after the half. calling up London Aghedo for his first-ever performance, 16-year-old Stiven Jimenez for his third appearance with the first team, and Isaiah Foster for his second.
Following his FCC debut, Aghedo remarked, “The younger guys, the guys that play for the second team a lot, we always have something to prove.” “Just the fact that coach Pat trusted us to go out there and get the job done in a tournament like this, it means a lot.”
Foster repeated, “It felt good,” during his time in the spotlight. “A goal gives me confidence, but it’s a blessing in and of itself that coach Pat believes in me enough to let me play.”
At times, it seemed as though FC Cincinnati 2’s triumph was forged in the crucible of Scudamore Stadium at North Kentucky University, the home of the team.
Regulars from the first team made some connections on the pitch, but most of the build-ups and opportunities were made by second team players.
Experience was evident in the trust, comfort, and predictability on display. For instance, Pinto would frequently distribute from the midfield to Halsey on the wing, who would subsequently locate Valenezula or Ordoñez in an attacking position. When the first-team players like Matt Miazga, Ian Murphy, and Obinna Nwobodo were replaced at the end of the first half, the real young Garys were able to step in and guarantee that FCC would advance to the Round of 16.
“Minutes are important when you’re not getting them with the first team. Sometimes that’s your way to improve your standing by staying sharp and fit,” Noonan said of the importance FC Cincinnati 2 has had on the night’s group. “Guys like Dado, Quimi, Malik, Stiven and London … a lot of these guys have worked together … so I’d like to think there’s a comfort level when they’re on the field together that they understand the strengths and weaknesses of each other to be able to perform and you saw that tonight.”
An significant turning point in FC Cincinnati’s history was reached with the victory. The Orange and Blue achieved a goal that Noonan and his countrymen have pursued since coming to the Queen City: they won an aggregate matchup and moved on to the next round of continental competition for the first time in club competition.
The victory gives those on the roster who aren’t as often in the starting lineup or are used as substitutes a sense of accomplishment for their hard work and perseverance, as well as a reminder that it is possible to advance and make an impact on the first team.
Aghedo remarked, “You always want a clean sheet.” Seeing that zero up there, then, undoubtedly boosts your confidence that everyone else on the field performed their job as well as you did. I’m just hoping that as a result, the team’s confidence increases.”
“It feels fantastic. Halsey continued, “I think it’s really important when you get this opportunity.” “You must seize opportunities when they present themselves. I believe it’s fantastic for all the young men. Of course, we train together as a practice squad in the hopes of being selected for the roster. Therefore, I find it cool.”
An incredible milestone in FC Cincinnati’s history was reached at the end of the evening when the team advanced in continental competition. The tournament’s next matchup is with CF Monterrey, one of the biggest teams in the world as well as Mexico.
The players and coaches of FC Cincinnati reaffirmed after the game that they will not be focusing on anything other than the Champions Cup when they take on Chicago Fire FC in league play on Saturday. However, they would agree that the current situation is extremely serious and presents an exciting opportunity for the team.
Foster said, “It should be a good matchup (with Monterrey)”. “Yes, they’re a huge club, but we’re a big, up-and-coming club, so it should be entertaining,”
