CINCINNATI — In an exciting showdown on Saturday night, FC Cincinnati triumphed over Austin FC with a 2-1 victory, making use of a late goal to secure the win. The match was highlighted by an impressive performance from Evander Da Silva Ferreira, commonly known as “Evander,” who contributed both a goal and an assist.
Entering the game with high hopes, Cincinnati was looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat against New York City FC, which ended their streak of five consecutive wins and six games without a loss. Determined to reclaim their winning form, the team found success through strategic plays and persistent efforts.
The game’s pivotal moment came in the 76th minute when Gerardo Valenzuela netted the decisive goal. Evander showcased his skill with a deft chip from the left side of the box, delivering a well-crafted pass that sailed over a defender and landed perfectly for Valenzuela to finish with a one-touch strike at the back post, sealing Cincinnati’s victory.
Austin FC, struggling to regain form, suffered their third straight defeat, collectively conceding seven goals and managing to score only once since their narrow 1-0 victory over St. Louis on March 30. The team had previously achieved a commanding 5-0 victory over Cincinnati at the start of the 2022 season, the only prior regular-season encounter between these sides.
Evander ignited the match early on, scoring his seventh goal of the current season in the 12th minute. The goal was set up by Lukas Engel, who provided a swift, one-touch pass from the left wing to Evander, who then slotted the ball into the net from the edge of the area, just inside the post.
Balancing the score momentarily, Brandon Vázquez took matters into his own hands by converting a penalty in the 48th minute, leveling the game at 1-1. However, it was Cincinnati’s tactical execution and persistence that ultimately guided them to victory, showcased by Valenzuela’s decisive strike.