MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Recap FC Cincinnati at New York City FC

FC Cincinnati Fall in Playoffs, 3-1

NYCFC Advance to Semi-Finals with First-Leg Victory

FC Cincinnati FC's playoff run came to an end Wednesday night at the hands of New York City FC. Despite a strong start and a goal from Brandon Vazquez in the first half, NYCFC rallied for three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 victory in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Cincinnati, the No. 6 seed in the East, had the better of the play early on. Vazquez put the visitors ahead in the 25th minute when he tapped in a cross from Alvaro Barreal. However, NYCFC, the No. 2 seed, leveled the score just before halftime when Heber nodded a cross from Tayvon Gray.

The home side took the lead in the 55th minute when Gabriel Pereira scored a stunning goal from outside the box. Valentin Castellanos added a third for NYCFC in the 74th minute, sealing the victory for the hosts.

The loss ends a disappointing season for Cincinnati, who finished 12-14-8 in the regular season. The Orange and Blue failed to win any of their last four matches of the campaign.

NYCFC, meanwhile, will host the second leg of the semifinals on Nov. 6. The Pigeons will be looking to reach the Eastern Conference final for the fourth time in five years.