Denkey’s penalty lifts Cincinnati past Nashville 2-1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A dramatic moment unfolded at GEODIS Park on Saturday night as FC Cincinnati triumphed over Nashville SC with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a penalty kick scored by Kévin Denkey during the dying minutes of the game.

Substituting in at the start of the second half for his fifth career appearance, Denkey seized the opportunity when a penalty was awarded in the first of seven minutes of added time. He confidently placed a right-footed shot beyond the reach of Nashville’s goalkeeper, Joe Willis, following a foul by Walker Zimmerman. This marked Denkey’s third goal of the season.

Earlier in the match, Nashville’s defender, Josh Bauer, found the net with an unassisted goal in the 39th minute, giving the home side the initial lead. This was Bauer’s second goal for this season, a meaningful achievement considering he hadn’t scored in his previous 36 appearances with the team over the past two seasons.

However, Cincinnati responded swiftly, as Evander Ferreira leveled the score just four minutes later with an unassisted goal of his own. Ferreira, who has been instrumental this season, boasts four goals to his name, building on his success from previous seasons with the Portland Timbers.

Cincinnati’s goalkeeper, Roman Celentano, was pivotal in defense, making seven crucial saves. On the other side, Joe Willis of Nashville matched with four saves, striving to keep his team in the match.

This match ended Nashville’s three-game winning streak, achieved under the guidance of their first-year coach, BJ Callaghan. The team had set new club records with 10 points, eight goals, and a plus-five goal differential from their first five matches of the season.

Looking ahead, Nashville SC is set to face Charlotte FC away from home this upcoming Saturday, while FC Cincinnati will welcome the New England Revolution at home on the same day.