Match Summary
Philadelphia Union defeated FC Cincinnati 1:0. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by B. Damiani 49′. 7 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. FC Cincinnati had 58% possession while Philadelphia Union held 42%. FC Cincinnati had 12 shots (3 on target) compared to 14 (4 on target) for Philadelphia Union. Expected goals: FC Cincinnati 1.18 — Philadelphia Union 2.38. FC Cincinnati made 4 substitutions, Philadelphia Union made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between FC Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union — 1 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
assist: M. Iloski
Match Statistics
FC Cincinnati had 58% possession against Philadelphia Union's 42%. FC Cincinnati registered 12 shots (3 on target) while Philadelphia Union managed 14 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 7–4. Fouls committed: 13–17.
Lineups
FC Cincinnati lined up in a 3-5-2 formation under Patrick John Noonan, while Philadelphia Union deployed a 4-4-2 under Bradley Neil Carnell.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for FC Cincinnati is 7.01, compared to 7.03 for Philadelphia Union. 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 Philadelphia Union's best-rated player is T. Baribo (7.13).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of FC Cincinnati have contributed 11 goals and 2 assists this season, led by K. Denkey (10G). Philadelphia Union's starters account for 29 goals and 6 assists, spearheaded by T. Baribo (18G). 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 Philadelphia Union'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 5 midfielders averaging 6.95, versus Philadelphia Union's 4 rated 6.95. 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 2 forward(s) averaging 7.11, compared to 2 for Philadelphia Union averaging 7.07. 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 Philadelphia Union. 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 21 for Philadelphia Union. 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 Philadelphia Union average 25.0 (youngest: B. Damiani (23), oldest: T. Baribo (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
FC Cincinnati's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 33 for Philadelphia Union. 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. Philadelphia Union show 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
FC Cincinnati
Philadelphia Union
Head to Head
FC Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union have met 2 times — FC Cincinnati won 1, Philadelphia Union won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 10 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 5.00 per match (5 for the home side, 5 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–1 in 2025.
1
FC Cincinnati
0
Drawn
1
Philadelphia Union
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026