Match Summary
FC Cincinnati defeated Sporting Kansas City 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by K. Denkey 43′, K. Denkey 78′, Z. Bassong 89′. 3 yellow cards were shown. FC Cincinnati had 54% possession while Sporting Kansas City held 46%. FC Cincinnati had 15 shots (7 on target) compared to 11 (4 on target) for Sporting Kansas City. Expected goals: FC Cincinnati 0.86 — Sporting Kansas City 0.47. FC Cincinnati made 5 substitutions, Sporting Kansas City made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between FC Cincinnati and Sporting Kansas City — 3 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Orellano
Match Statistics
FC Cincinnati had 54% possession against Sporting Kansas City's 46%. FC Cincinnati registered 15 shots (7 on target) while Sporting Kansas City managed 11 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 4–5. Fouls committed: 8–6.
Lineups
FC Cincinnati lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Patrick John Noonan, while Sporting Kansas City deployed a 4-3-3 under Kerry Zavagnin.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for FC Cincinnati is 7.01, compared to 6.83 for Sporting Kansas City. 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. FC Cincinnati's highest-rated starter is K. Denkey (7.11), while Sporting Kansas City's best-rated player is D. Salloi (6.89).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of FC Cincinnati have contributed 11 goals and 2 assists this season, led by K. Denkey (10G). Sporting Kansas City's starters account for 7 goals and 3 assists, spearheaded by D. Salloi (7G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
FC Cincinnati deploy 3 defenders rated — on average, against Sporting Kansas City's 4-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
FC Cincinnati field 4 midfielders averaging 6.95, versus Sporting Kansas City's 3 rated 6.78. 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
FC Cincinnati start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.11, compared to 3 for Sporting Kansas City averaging 6.89. 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 42% for FC Cincinnati and —% for Sporting Kansas City. 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
FC Cincinnati's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 7 for Sporting Kansas City. 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 FC Cincinnati's starting XI is 27.0 (youngest: K. Denkey (25), oldest: T. Anunga (29)), while Sporting Kansas City average 30.5 (youngest: D. Salloi (29), oldest: N. Radoja (32)). 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
FC Cincinnati's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 27 for Sporting Kansas City. 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, FC Cincinnati have recorded 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats. Sporting Kansas City show 0 wins, 1 draws and 5 losses from their last 6 outings.
FC Cincinnati
Sporting Kansas City
API data: 15 Mar 2026