Johannesburg, South Africa – FC Cincinnati pulled off a dramatic 1-0 victory against Real Salt Lake (RSL) at America First Field on Saturday night, leaving local fans stunned. Luca Orellano's late goal in the 87th minute secured the win for Cincinnati, propelling them to the top of the Supporters' Shield standings.
Orellano's Late Masterpiece Seals Victory
The match was a tightly contested affair, with RSL displaying impressive attacking prowess, registering 17 total shots and seven on target. However, they were unable to find the back of the net, thanks to an outstanding performance by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano, who made seven crucial saves.
Cincinnati's breakthrough came late in the game when substitute Luca Orellano unleashed a stunning curling shot past RSL goalkeeper Rafael Cabral, finding the top corner. This marked Orellano's first goal for the club and secured all three points for Cincinnati.
RSL's Unbeaten Streak Ends
The loss snapped RSL's five-game unbeaten streak, which dated back to the start of June. Despite the defeat, RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni praised his team's performance, stating, "The difference (tonight) was a world-class goal. There's not much our pivots could have done."
What's Next for Both Teams?
FC Cincinnati will be back on the road next Saturday, July 26, against Inter Miami CF. RSL, on the other hand, will face San Jose in their next match, but will be without key defenders Alex Katranis and Brayan Vera due to suspension.
- Cincinnati now leads the Supporters' Shield standings.
- RSL's loss ends their five-game unbeaten run.
- Luca Orellano scored a stunning late winner for Cincinnati.
This unexpected result has sent shockwaves through the MLS, highlighting Cincinnati's growing strength and leaving RSL to regroup and prepare for their upcoming challenges. Fans across South Africa will be watching closely to see how these teams perform in their next matches.