FC Cincinnati eliminates New York Red Bulls in PK shootout, advances to East semis: How they pulled it off

FC Cincinnati advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals of the MLS playoffs by the thinnest of margins, eliminating the New York Red Bulls in Game 2 of the teams’ first-round matchup with a 1-1 draw in Game 2, followed by an 8-7 win in a penalty shootout.

FC Cincinnati nearly won with the last kick of the game in regular time, as Luciano Acosta’s corner kick was deflected into the back of the net by forward Sergio Santos. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for a foul by Santos.

The Red Bulls had two chances to send the series to a Game 3 in the shootout. In the fifth round, John Tolkin’s attempt to ice the game hit the post. In the tenth round, 18-year-old winger Serge Ngoma had a similar chance to end the game after a save by Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, but he skied his attempt over the bar.

In the next round, after FCC’s Junior Moreno buried his attempt, Red Bulls center back Andres Reyes had his penalty saved by FCC goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

ROMAN CELENTANO WINS IT FOR @FCCINCINNATI
IN PKs! 🚨#AllForCincy wins 8-7 in PKs and advances in the Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs!
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 5, 2023

How FCC pulled it off

FC Cincinnati survived and avoided a third game in this first-round series. An inspired Red Bulls side caused all kinds of problems and would have been deserved winners. Aaron Boupendza’s equalizer for Cincinnati shifted the momentum in the visitor’s favor and quieted a raucous crowd at Red Bull Arena.

The penalty shootout was a tense and anxious affair that ended with heartbreak for New York. A spicy, physical playoff win for Cincinnati saw the Supporters’ Shield winners escape with an 8-7 win. — Felipe Cardenas, MLS and international soccer writer

What happened on the final play?

What appeared to be a last-minute Olimpico winner from Acosta, ended in controversy, although it was short-lived. Santos was judged to have fouled Red Bull goalkeeper Coronel as the ball from Acosta trickled into the goal. It looked like a soft call. Coronel allowed Santos to occupy an advantageous position in front of goal, and then fell far too easily after Santos muscled his way in.

Regardless, Santos could’ve been called for a handball and the goal would’ve been disallowed. — Cardenas