NYCFC impress to force third match against Cincinnati

NYCFC fought back from a goal down to beat FC Cincinnati 2-1 at home and force a third and deciding match in their Eastern Conference semi-final

NYCFC came flying out of the blocks and forced an early save from Przemysław Tytoń, before Santiago Rodríguez saw his effort blocked

NYCFC started the game brightly and should have taken the lead in the fourth minute when Talles Magno was played through on goal, but the Brazilian's shot was well saved by Tytoń.

NYCFC continued to apply the pressure and went close again in the 10th minute when Gabriel Pereira's cross found Maxime Chanot, but the defender's header was just wide of the post.

Cincinnati grew into the game and took the lead against the run of play in the 20th minute when Brenner's shot took a deflection off Chanot and looped over Sean Johnson into the net.

NYCFC responded well to going behind and equalized just six minutes later when Rodríguez's cross found Magno, who controlled the ball well before firing past Tytoń.

NYCFC continued to push for a winner and went close again in the 35th minute when Pereira's shot was saved by Tytoń.

Cincinnati started the second half brightly and went close to taking the lead again in the 50th minute when Brenner's shot was well saved by Johnson.

NYCFC regained control of the game and went close again in the 60th minute when Héber's shot was saved by Tytoń.

NYCFC finally got their winner in the 75th minute when Pereira's cross found Magno, who controlled the ball well before firing past Tytoń.

NYCFC held on to their lead to win the game 2-1 and force a third and deciding match in their Eastern Conference semi-final.

Conclusion

NYCFC showed great character to come from behind and beat FC Cincinnati 2-1 at home and force a third and deciding match in their Eastern Conference semi-final.

The two teams will now face off in the third and deciding match of their Eastern Conference semi-final on Sunday, October 23.