NYCFC outlasts Cincinnati in epic penalty duel, ignites rivalry clash with Red Bulls

New York City FC edged FC Cincinnati to the semifinals of the Eastern Conference in the Audi MLS Cup thanks to a penalty shootout. Game 3 saw NYCFC battling hard with grit and precision all the way to the final kick to notch the win and stay alive in the title hunt.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

A Goalless Duel Full of Tension

It had been a fight right from the beginning. The first half was littered with few chances, as both teams gave in solid defense against each other. Cincinnati tried to keep up the pace of the match, but New York City FC managed to hold tight-block every advance.

The pressure started to mount from both ends with every passing minute. In the 11th minute, DeAndre Yedlin rifled a powerful shot that flew over the post. To counter that, City had one of their more dangerous chances when Keaton Parks headbutt took a shot on a set piece that fell short of the goal.

Matt Freese's Game-Changing Save

The best chance for Cincinnati came in the 31st minute when a loose ball fell to Luca Orellano just 12 yards from goal. His shot was destined for the bottom corner until Matt Freese made a spectacular save. This was the important intervention that kept NYCFC in the game and showed the resilience of the team in the face of attacks from Cincinnati.

Dwindling Hope for a Goal

The second half had more of the same with neither team really finding rhythm in possession. Scoring chances were scarce, and neither team could create consistent threats. On the 81st minute, NYCFC momentarily celebrated as a slick play started by Maxi Moralez and finished by Alonso Martínez was quickly called offside, thus keeping City fans frustrated.

Neither team broke through, and the game had to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Nerves and Precision in the Shootout

Many would consider penalty shootouts to be the prime test of composure. And it was in this tight atmosphere that New York City FC shone bright. Both teams converted four of their first five penalties, keeping the score locked at 5-5 after eight rounds. But on Cincinnati's ninth attempt, Matt Freese's star power shone once more, as he stopped Teenage Hadebe's shot, giving Mitja Ilenič the chance to seal the victory.

He did just that. Cool and confident, the strike by Ilenič sealed NYCFC's passage to the semifinals and brought an end to a game which, at one point or another, required strength, patience, and resolve.

Red Bulls in the Conference Semifinals

Now, New York City FC turns its attention to the semifinal fixture against the New York Red Bulls-a promise of even more fire. This is a semifinal that has all the makings of a regional rivalry, adding even more pressure on both teams. Coming in with a solid defense and on a good recent record, NYCFC is confident but realizes they will have to give it their all to surpass the Red Bulls and advance in the competition.