Even without its star player, FC Cincinnati had no trouble defeating CF Montreal 4-1 on Saturday night at TQL Stadium.
Suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards, Luciano Acosta had to watch his team’s match from the stands. However, he had one of the best seats to witness a world-class performance from Luca Orellano.
The 24-year-old Argentinian was very dangerous in enemy territory and single-handedly broke the Bleu-blanc-noir’s legs. Orellano set up Kevin Kelsy’s goal in the first half before scoring twice in four minutes in the second half. Sergio Santos completed the scoring.
FC Cincinnati (16-8-3) snapped a four-game MLS losing streak and clinched a playoff spot. The Ohio team also earned its first win in Acosta’s absence after a 10-game losing streak (0-6-4).
Kwadwo Opoku saved the honour of CF Montreal (6-12-9), which received a second slap in the face in a row, after losing 5-0 at home to the New England Revolution last Saturday.
Montreal were the big losers of the night, with Atlanta United, DC United and the Philadelphia Union all picking up wins. They are now four points out of a playoff spot.
Jules-Anthony Vilsaint played his first match since July 20 and Matias Coccaro returned to the team after being sanctioned internally. Both players were rarely used up front, while the Bleu-blanc-noir took 80 minutes before getting a shot off.
CF Montreal will enjoy a week off during the international break. They will return to action on September 14, when Charlotte FC visits Stade Saputo.
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FC Cincinnati gave the visitors a serious warning early on, as Alvas Powell grabbed a dangerous free kick near the penalty area in the second minute. Orellano curled a beautiful shot, but goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois stuck out his right hand to deflect the ball wide.
CF Montreal patiently tried to orchestrate attacks, but their lack of ideas did not allow them to get close to Roman Celentano’s net.
Pat Noonan’s players showed them how to do it by making several breakthroughs in the penalty area, but without finishing the actions. Orellano also sent the ball against the horizontal bar during a free kick, in the 26th minutee minute.
Rather than take his chances, the Argentinian decided to distribute the ball, and it was Kelsy who took advantage. After accepting a cross, the six-foot-four giant unleashed a shot that hit Tom Pearce and then Joel Waterman before hitting the net.
Montreal were still in the game at the start of the second half, but things quickly got ugly.
At 47e minute, Waterman played sloppily and fouled Kelsy. The referee initially indicated that there would be a penalty shot, but after a lengthy review, it was finally awarded a free kick near the penalty area. Never mind, Orellano was lucky when his attempt hit Caden Clark before beating Sirois.
Four minutes later, following a foul, Orellano caught Sirois off guard with a shot from more than 60 meters that bounced behind the goalie before entering the net.
The damage was already done, but FC Cincinnati added another layer in the 71st minute.e minute. Santos broke away from two Bleu-blanc-noir players and pushed the ball behind Sirois.
Opoku provided some muted celebrations in the Montreal camp when he beat Celentano after taking a nice pass from Fernando Alvarez. It was CF Montreal’s first MLS goal since July 17 against the New York Red Bulls.