FC Cincinnati forward Luca Orellano’s left-footed shot from outside the box sailed just inside the right side of the goal in the 87th minute, which proved to be the match-winner in a 1-0 win over host Real Salt Lake in Sandy, Utah, on Saturday night.
The win puts Cincinnati back on top in the Eastern Conference table and in the pole position for the Supporters’ Shield race.
Cincinnati (15-6-3, 48 points) came out firing early in the second half with several shot attempts that nearly broke the scoreless draw. Orellano’s second goal in MLS regular-season competition finally broke it late in the second half. This is Cincinnati’s eighth road win in MLS during the regular season.
Real Salt Lake (8-11-4, 28 points) had plenty of chances in the second half prior to FC Cincinnati’s match-winning goal. But their shutout loss snapped a three-match winning streak and a five-match unbeaten streak.
Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna’s shot on goal in the 58th minute was thwarted on a diving save by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Celentano made seven saves for Cincinnati on Saturday night in posting his eighth clean sheet of the season.
Real Salt Lake’s best shot on goal was in the 76th minute, when midfielder Diogo Goncalves’ right-footed shot from the center of the box sailed just wide right of the goal to keep the match scoreless.
Both clubs, however, kept the pressure on the respective goalkeepers throughout the second half.
For the game, Salt Lake outshot Cincinnati 17-14, including 7-3 in shots on goal. It also led 553-421 in total passes.
The first half highlighted aggressive, physical play from both clubs’ defenses. The first 45 minutes plus one minute of extra time featured five yellow cards and 19 combined fouls.
Salt Lake goalkeeper Rafael Carbal made three saves to keep the match scoreless for the first 86 minutes.
Cincinnati’s next match is at Miami next Saturday night.
Salt Lake’s next match is at home against San Jose next Saturday.
–Field Level Media
