FC Cincinnati snags victory with late winner against Real Salt Lake

With a rotated lineup on the road, FC Cincinnati had to climb a steeper-than-usual hill to grab all three points against Real Salt Lake on July 19. 

In the high-altitude environment of America First Field, the Orange and Blue reached the peak despite a tricky path, defeating the Claret and Cobalt, 1-0.

FC Cincinnati is now unbeaten in five of six matches, closing an emotional week-long stretch in which they split results with their rivals, the Columbus Crew and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF, in a strong way. The Orange and Blue also returned to first in the Supporters’ Shield race.

Wingback Luca Orellano, who came off the bench, supplied the winner against RSL, who were unbeaten in five matches.

“We have a lot of strong characters and good leaders, andthey have a way about them that you just trust that we’re going to get things right, and you can count on them even in the toughest moments,” said coach Pat Noonan. “That’s what the last two games have looked like, and that’s why I think we’re talking in a different way.”

Real Salt Lake gained steam, but FC Cincinnati prevailed

Defenders Teenage Hadebe and Gilberto Flores, wingback Alvas Powell and forward Corey Baird played in place of some typical starters. While they were in, FC Cincinnati failed to threaten much in the attack, often missing the final pass, but they were organized defensively.

Eventually, the Orange and Blue brought in some usual starters in the 63rd minute, searching for some life. But even as forward Kei Kamara and wingbacks Luca Orellano and DeAndre Yedlin arrived, RSL continued gaining steam.

Thanks to a flurry of deflections and saves by goalkeeper Roman Celentano, FC Cincinnati kept the scoreline level.

Then, all they needed was a moment.

In the 87th minute, midfielder Brian Anunga picked up the ball, held possession between defenders and found Orellano, who picked out the far corner for his second goal of the season.

Anunga also played a pivotal role in the victory outside of the assist, contributing with 37-of-41 accurate passes, two tackles, and seven recoveries.

“Brian does a good job to advance the ball, we get Luca in a good spot and it’s a great strike,” Noonan said. “It’s a low percentage opportunity, but with him on the ball, and somebody that can do what he did, that was an important moment for him.”

Celentano was also vital in keeping the scoreline level with seven saves, allowing for the winner.

Notably, Celentano stopped two fairly simple long-distance strikes within moments of each other on RSL’s only shots on target in the first half.

In the 57th minute, Celentano came up big again when midfielder Diego Luna put a quick shot on goal.

“The whole team defended well all night and some massive blocks in there, so just really happy with how the boys went about it,” Celentano said.

With their newly regained position at the top of the MLS table, FC Cincinnati will next face Inter Miami CF on July 26.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: FC Cincinnati victory Real Salt Lake MLS Luca Orellano Evander