Evander’s 90th-Minute Winner Lifts FC Cincinnati Past NYCFC in 2-1 Thriller

Evander’s 90th-Minute Goal Lifts Cincinnati Past NYCFC

FC Cincinnati defeated New York City FC 2-1 at TQL Stadium, with Evander scoring in the 90th minute to settle a match that had been level at half-time. The result moved Cincinnati to fifth in the Eastern Conference on 30 points, while New York City FC remained seventh with 26 points.

Late Evander Goal Decides Even Contest

The decisive moment arrived in the final minute of normal time, when Evander converted from a pass by G. Valenzuela to give Cincinnati the lead for the second time. The late goal completed a 2-1 victory after both teams had periods of attacking pressure.

Evander was rated Cincinnati’s second-best performer with an 8.3 rating after playing all 90 minutes. Alongside his winning goal, he recorded two shots on target and created two key passes, making a decisive contribution at both ends of the closing stages.

Cincinnati and NYCFC Trade First-Half Goals

Cincinnati opened the scoring in the 11th minute through K. Mboma, who put the home side ahead. New York City FC responded 10 minutes later, with Luighi equalizing from an assist by A. Ojeda to make it 1-1.

The score remained level through half-time and for most of the second period, setting up a close finish. Six yellow cards were shown in total, with M. Miazga, O. Nwobodo and S. Gidi booked for Cincinnati, while K. Parks, Luighi and N. Mercau were cautioned for New York City FC.

New York City Creates More Chances

New York City FC produced the greater volume of attacking threat despite losing the match. The visitors had 16 total shots to Cincinnati’s 14, led 8-6 in shots on goal and recorded a higher expected-goals figure of 1.67 compared with Cincinnati’s 1.19.

New York City also won five corners to Cincinnati’s two and registered 11 shots inside the box. Cincinnati held 56% possession and completed 484 accurate passes at an 88% rate, compared with 349 accurate passes and 83% for the visitors, but the shot numbers showed that possession did not translate into clear superiority.

Celentano’s Saves and the Eastern Conference Impact

Roman Celentano was the standout performer, earning an 8.5 rating after making seven saves in 90 minutes. His work was especially important because New York City FC placed eight efforts on target, while Cincinnati’s victory came despite the visitors’ higher chance-quality figures.

K. Mboma also finished strongly, receiving a 7.6 rating after scoring once, registering two shots on target, creating two key passes and making two tackles. The victory left Cincinnati fifth in the Eastern Conference with eight wins, six draws and six losses, four points ahead of seventh-placed New York City FC, whose record stood at seven wins, five draws and eight defeats.