Orlando City dominated possession but couldn't find the clinical edge as FC Cincinnati's star signings delivered when it mattered most
By Mario Casamalhuapa | MyFutbol.Media
Orlando, FL - June 29, 2025
The scoreboard told one story, but the 90 minutes of football at Inter&Co Stadium told another entirely. Orlando City SC controlled the ball, created chances, and energized a raucous Pride Night crowd, yet walked away empty-handed as FC Cincinnati escaped with a 2-1 victory that perfectly illustrated the difference between possession and precision.
In a clash that pitted the Eastern Conference's second-place team against the fifth, it was Cincinnati's clinical efficiency that proved decisive. The visitors' aggressive $28.2 million summer investment in Kévin Denkey ($16.2 million from Cercle Brugge) and Evander ($12 million from Portland Timbers) delivered immediate dividends, contrasting sharply with Orlando's more conservative $6 million approach for Marco Pašalić and Nicolás Rodríguez.
The Brazilian maestro Evander showcased exactly why Cincinnati broke the bank for his services. His opening goal came via a perfectly weighted free kick in the 45th minute, the ball curling past Pedro Gallese and nestling into the bottom right corner with surgical precision. The midfielder wasn't finished there – his second strike in the 74th minute capped off a lightning-quick counterattack, with the tireless Denkey providing the crucial assist that justified his hefty price tag.
"Yeah, I think first you have to say congratulations to the rivals FC Cincinnati tonight," reflected Martín Ojeda post-match. "They were able to score and take the three points from us. They were really good in those three or four chances that they had – they had patience, they were able to finish their chances and be dangerous in those moments. I think that was something they did really well."
The Argentine's assessment captured the night's painful reality for Orlando. Despite controlling 59.5% of possession and outshooting their visitors 17-9, the Lions managed just three shots on target compared to Cincinnati's four. It was a masterclass in efficiency versus dominance.
Orlando's Croatian midfielder Marco Pašalić, who has repeatedly claimed his left foot is his "weapon," proved prophetic when he pulled one back in the 87th minute. The $5 million signing from HNK Rijeka showed his quality with a composed finish to the bottom left corner, assisted by Ojeda, setting up eleven minutes of pure drama.
The goal energized the home crowd and nearly sparked a dramatic equalizer, but Cincinnati's defense held barely firm through the extended stoppage time, weathering multiple attacks and Orlando missing several shots that could have equalized. The final whistle brought relief for the visitors and frustration for a home side that had done everything but score.
Beyond the goals and statistics, this match featured compelling personal battles that added layers to an already intense rivalry. Cincinnati center-back Matt Miazga engaged in several heated exchanges with Pašalić throughout the night, the veteran defender's aggressive approach clearly frustrating the Croatian. These confrontations epitomized the growing animosity between these Eastern Conference contenders and added an edge that kept both sets of supporters on their feet.
Miazga's leadership at the back proved crucial in preserving Cincinnati's advantage, even as Orlando's attacking waves kept coming. The defensive partnership of Miazga and Teenage Hadebe stood firm when it mattered, their aerial dominance and tactical discipline neutralizing Orlando's late surge.
A surprising contingent of Cincinnati supporters made the journey to Central Florida, creating pockets of orange throughout Inter&Co Stadium. Their vocal support provided an additional boost for Pat Noonan's side, who showed the composure of a team built for playoff success. The traveling fans were rewarded with a result that shifts the recent head-to-head dynamic between these rivals.
In their last five meetings, Orlando had held the upper hand with two wins, two draws, and just one loss to Cincinnati. This victory gives Cincinnati only their second win in the series since 2022, adding extra significance to their road triumph and setting up what promises to be a fascinating return fixture.
The defeat leaves Orlando City with difficult questions about their ability to compete with the conference's elite without matching their spending power. While Pašalić showed glimpses of his potential and the team's possession-based approach created chances, converting territorial dominance into victories remains the challenge for Oscar Pareja's squad.
Late substitutions brought fresh legs in Luis Muriel and Rafael Santos, but Cincinnati's disciplined defensive shape frustrated Orlando's attacking efforts. The Lions generated corner kicks, created half-chances, and pressed forward with increasing desperation, but Roman Celentano in the Cincinnati goal was rarely seriously tested.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, continues to justify their ambitious summer spending with results that suggest they're serious contenders for MLS Cup. With Evander pulling the strings and Denkey providing the perfect foil up front, they've assembled the type of game-changing talent that wins championships. The duo's partnership showed the immediate impact of Cincinnati's investment strategy, with Denkey's work rate creating the space for Evander's clinical finishing.
For Orlando City faithful, Pride Night ended in disappointment, but the team's performance suggested that with better finishing, results will come. The statistics painted a picture of a team creating opportunities but lacking the killer instinct to capitalize on their dominance.
Orlando City will next travel to take on Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, July 5, before returning to face Cincinnati again on September 27 at 2:30 PM in what promises to be another competitive clash with significant playoff implications and lots of energy. Remember these teams have had close and tight games, and if this encounter was any indication, the return fixture should be unmissable.
The challenge now for Orlando is clear: transform possession into goals, and dominance into victories. In a league where margins are razor-thin and every point matters, nights like these can define seasons. Cincinnati proved that sometimes, it's not about how much you have the ball – it's about what you do when you get it.
Final Score: Orlando City SC 1, FC Cincinnati 2
