In a closely contested match at BMO Field, FC Cincinnati and Toronto FC ended in a 1-1 draw as part of Week 7 of the MLS.
The opening goal came from an unfortunate own goal by Gilberto Flores, which redirected the ball into his own net, granting Toronto FC a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute of the second half. However, FC Cincinnati quickly responded, leveling the score just one minute later with a goal from star player Kenji Mboma in the 46th minute.
Kenji Mboma played a pivotal role in the match, earning recognition as the standout player for scoring the equalizer. On the defensive end, Benjamin Kuscevic from Toronto FC also made his mark, clearing six balls from dangerous areas.
Toronto FC’s head coach, Robin Fraser, deployed a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Luka Gavran in goal; a backline consisting of Richie Laryea, Benjamin Kuscevic, Zane Monlouis, and Matheus Pereira; a midfield trio of José Cifuentes, Jonathan Osorio, and Alonso Coello; and an attacking front of Derrick Etienne Jr., Josh Sargent, and Daniel Salloi.
Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati, under the stewardship of Pat Noonan, set up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Roman Celentano in goal; a defensive line of Matt Miazga, Nick Hagglund, and Gilberto Flores; a midfield comprised of Ender Echenique, Pavel Bucha, Samuel Gidi, Evander, and Bryan Ramírez; and forwards Kévin Denkey and Tom Barlow.
The referee for the match was Ricardo Fierro.
Looking ahead, Toronto FC will host Austin FC in their next match, while FC Cincinnati will square off against Chicago Fire at home.
Substitutions for Toronto FC
81’ 2T – José Cifuentes was replaced by Emilio Aristizábal, Zane Monlouis by Lazar Stefanovic, Derrick Etienne Jr. by Malik Henry, and Matheus Pereira by Kobe Franklin.
Yellow cards for Toronto FC:
37’ 1T Benjamin Kuscevic (Unsporting behavior) and 49’ 1T Jonathan Osorio (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for FC Cincinnati
61’ 2T – Matt Miazga was substituted for Kyle Smith and Tom Barlow for Ayoub Jabbari. 88’ 2T – Bryan Ramírez was replaced by Kenji Mboma and Pavel Bucha by Gerardo Valenzuela. 93’ 2T – Ender Echenique was substituted by Obinna Nwobodo.
Yellow cards for FC Cincinnati:
12’ 2T Bryan Ramírez (Unsporting behavior) and 24’ 2T Kévin Denkey (Unsporting behavior).
Red card for FC Cincinnati:
25’ 2T Kévin Denkey (Red for second yellow card).