Match Summary
New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 3:2. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2024. Goals were scored by M. Ilenič 16′, A. Martínez 65′, L. Acosta 69′ (pen.), S. Rodríguez 75′ (pen.), C. Baird 90′. 6 yellow cards were shown. New York City FC had 55% possession while FC Cincinnati held 45%. New York City FC had 12 shots (9 on target) compared to 13 (5 on target) for FC Cincinnati. Expected goals: New York City FC 1.44 — FC Cincinnati 1.63. New York City FC made 4 substitutions, FC Cincinnati made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Andrés Perea 71′).
Match Events
Key match events between New York City FC and FC Cincinnati — 5 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: M. Moralez
assist: S. Rodríguez
Penalty
Penalty
Match Statistics
New York City FC had 55% possession against FC Cincinnati's 45%. New York City FC registered 12 shots (9 on target) while FC Cincinnati managed 13 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 6–2. Fouls committed: 16–11.
Lineups
New York City FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under N. Cushing, while FC Cincinnati deployed a 3-4-1-2 under P. Noonan.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for New York City FC is 6.97, compared to 7.11 for FC Cincinnati. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. New York City FC's highest-rated starter is M. Moralez (7.14), while FC Cincinnati's best-rated player is P. Bucha (7.11).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of New York City FC have contributed 30 goals and 19 assists this season, led by A. Martínez (19G). FC Cincinnati's starters account for 1 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by P. Bucha (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
New York City FC deploy 4 defenders rated 6.90 on average, against FC Cincinnati's 3-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
New York City FC field 5 midfielders averaging 7.04, versus FC Cincinnati's 4 rated 7.11. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
New York City FC start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.00, compared to 3 for FC Cincinnati averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 50% for New York City FC and 42% for FC Cincinnati. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
New York City FC's starters have collected 39 yellow cards this season, compared to 1 for FC Cincinnati. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of New York City FC's starting XI is 27.0 (youngest: M. Ilenič (21), oldest: M. Moralez (38)), while FC Cincinnati average 24.0 (youngest: K. Kelsy (21), oldest: P. Bucha (27)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
New York City FC's starters average 31 league appearances each, versus 16 for FC Cincinnati. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, New York City FC have recorded 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 defeats. FC Cincinnati show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
New York City FC
FC Cincinnati
Head to Head
New York City FC and FC Cincinnati have met 2 times — New York City FC won 2, FC Cincinnati won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. New York City FC leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 2 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.00 per match (2 for the home side, 0 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–1 in 2025.
2
New York City FC
0
Drawn
0
FC Cincinnati
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026