ST. LOUIS, MO — Omar Cummings had a hand in both goals to lead FC Cincinnati to a 2-1 victory Saturday night, handing Saint Louis FC their first loss at World Wide Technology Soccer Park.
Cummings put FCC on the board in the eighth minute with his third goal of the year. Sean Okoli picked off a STL FC pass and turned and slipped the ball to Cummings, who finished the play by beating Ryan Thompson on near post.
The forward challenged Thompson again, this time in the 78th minute. Eric Stevenson, a second-half substitution for FCC, kicked off the play with a pass to Cummings just outside the box. Cummings was able to dodge the defense, turn and placed a well-struck ball towards the goal. Thompson managed to block the shot but Stevenson alertly jumped on the rebound for his third goal of the year.
Cummings and FCC controlled much of the first half. Following his goal, Cummings continued to pressure the Saint Louis FC defense. A quick punt from the backfield by Mitch Hildebrandt, led to a second touch by Cummings, who took a shot from 30 yards out but saw the effort go wide.
Jimmy McLaughlin tried to flick the ball over Thompson a minute later but saw his shot just miss the mark.
Cummings looked to get Kenney Walker involved in the 37th minute, making a pass to the top of the box for the midfielder, who was unable to get off a clean shot and would be handled readily by Thompson.
The second half was a physical one for both teams. Saint Louis FC possessed in the early minutes of the half but FCC continued to push forward.
Corben Bone nearly logged a goal in the 64th minute as the midfielder curled in a shot from the left side that was stifled by a diving save from Thompson.
Thompson was forced to make another save as the goalie had to climb the ladder on a shot from McLaughlin in the 81st minute.
STL FC responded in the 85th minute. Jordan Roberts pushed the ball past Tyer Polak into space and connected with Schillo Tshuma, who got in behind the FCC defense for the goal.
A 90th minute corner kick by Saint Louis FC was picked off out of the air by Hildebrandt but the home club had one last attempt at the equalizer in the final minute of stoppage time. Brandon Barklage started the play with a long throw in. Vince Cicciarelli headed the ball out of the box to Tshuma, who chipped it back into the box and found Thompson, who nearly managed to score on his counterpart. However, the ball was headed out of play and following one final set piece, FCC would collect the road win.
FCC hosts English Premier League and FA Cup Finalist, Crystal Palace next Sat., July 16 at Nippert Stadium at 7:00 p.m.
