Sergio Santos scored in the first half, then assisted on Brandon Vazquez’s goal in the 58th minute, and FC Cincinnati remained undefeated at home with Saturday night’s 2-1 victory over the visiting Portland Timbers.
After several strong scoring opportunities went by the wayside through the game’s first half hour, FCC (6-1-2, 20 points) broke through when Santos’ diving header, off a cross from Alvaro Barreal, went just inside the near post in the 34th minute for his team-leading fourth goal.
Then just before the hour mark, Santos couldn’t get a clean strike on a save off the hands of Portland goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic (four saves), but he managed to get enough of it to find Vazquez, who was able to convert.
However, the Timbers, who had several key chances during the first half, finally came through when Dairon Aspilla drove home the rebound of a hand save from Cincinnati keeper Roman Celentano (three saves) right on 60 minutes. Portland kept the pressure coming, but Celentano was strong down the stretch, and FC Cincinnati improved to 5-0-0 at home this season.
With the defeat, Portland (2-5-2, eight points) saw its winless rut on the road extended to 0-5-2, dating back to last season.
Poised for a better showing following last weekend’s 5-1 loss at St. Louis City SC, Cincinnati was the aggressor out of the gate Saturday. Santos had the match’s first quality chance in the fourth minute, but his left-footer from the center of the box was stopped by Ivacic.
However, Portland was right on FCC’s heels, with strong chances prior to the 12th minute by Evander, Franck Boli and Asprilla all going high. Ivacic then came up with a stellar knee save in a one-on-one with Santos in the 23rd minute, and a comfortable stop against Vazquez moments later.
After Evander went high again via an up-close header, FCC were finally able to make good on their next prime scoring chance. And, fittingly from Santos, who got enough of the ball to head it by Ivacic, minutes past the half-hour mark for the only goal of the opening half.
The teams combined for 27 overall shots.
–Field Level Media
