FCC Down Toronto FC II 2-1 on road.
TORONTO, Ontario — Omar Cummings, making his FC Cincinnati (3-2-0) debut, scored the game-winner in the 85th minute as the Orange and Blue handed Toronto FC II (1-1-2) their first loss of the season, 2-1, Sunday at the Ontario Soccer Complex.
Cummings, subbed into the game in the 82nd minute, was the beneficiary of a service into the box from Derek Luke, also inserted into the second half. The 2011 MLS All-Star and former UC Bearcat, collected and neatly put the ball past goalkeeper Quillan Roberts for what would be the deciding tally.
The goal however, was nearly overshadowed by two spectacular saves by goalie, Mitch Hildebrandt just a minute prior. With Toronto FC II looking to pull ahead of a 1-1 tie, Sal Barnal fired from the left flank at Hildebrandt, who deflected the ball away. Bubacarr Jobe raced in on the right side and headed the rebound towards an unguarded net but Hildebrandt intercepted the ball out of the air, robbing Jobe of what looked to be a one-goal lead with a pair of game-changing saves.
The two sides engaged in an even first half. FCC earned its first corner late into the first period and Harrison Delbridge saw a chance to put away the first goal after connecting on the service in from Tyler Polak but his header fell wide.
As the time ticked down in the first half, TFC II grabbed a goal in stoppage time to take a 1-0 advantage. Chris Manella found Raheem Edwards, who split a pair of FCC defenders and slotted a ball underneath Hildebrandt to register his fourth consecutive game with a goal scored.
Following the break, FCC mounted offensive pressure early in the second half, earning a series of corners and a shot by Kenney Walker which was blocked and allowed the Young Reds to clear the ball away.
Andrew Wiedeman began to pepper the host’s goal and nearly came away with the equalizer in the 51st minute but his redirect off a corner kick was handled by Roberts. It was Wiedeman again with an opportunity, carrying the ball well into the box and drawing out Roberts but his pass was intercepted and cleared again.
In the 60th minute, a series of clean connections began with Austin Berry, whose pass to Tyler Polak went to Jimmy McLaughin and the midfielder found the streaking Antoine Hoppenot down the left side. Hoppenot chipped the ball into the box and defender Ashtone Morgan mis-timed his leap to clear the ball, leaving an unmarked Wiedeman, who chested the pass and sent the ball into the back of the net to even the score.
The goal was the second on the year for Wiedeman and Hildebrandt anchored the defense with three saves in the win.
FCC returns to Nippert Stadium this Saturday (Apr. 30) for a match against Wilmington Hammerheads at 7:00 p.m.
