Box Score
CINCINNATI, Ohio - Overcoming the high field temperatures, FC Cincinnati defeated Louiville City FC 2-0 thanks to goals from Andrew Wiedeman and Ugo Okoli.
The match was the third and final showdown between the two clubs during the regular season. The first meeting resulted in a 3-2 win for Louisville at Nippert in April, while the second ended in a 0-0 draw in Louisvile. But today's 2-0 victory meant Cincinnati won the right to hoist the inaugural River Cities Cup between the two clubs.
"As a coach you're always looking for key moments that define your season," commented Coach John Harkes, "Today was a demonstration of our growth and maturity".
Wiedeman opened the scoring in the for FCC on the 39th minute. Capatlizing off a Louisville City defensive miss-handle, Wiedeman picked up the ball inside the Louisville box, jumped past the defender and fired the ball far post past City keeper Greg Rinjistingh.
"I don't think that any of us went into this match thinking that we were in underdog. We're very confident as a team in what we do," Wiedeman added post match.
FCC would strike again in the second half when Ugo Okoli scored his ninth goal of the season. Coming in the 59th minute, Corben Bone's corner was nodded home by Okoli at the back post.
The shut out marked the fourth time this season that FCC would reach full time while holding opponent scoreless. Mitch Hildebrandt had another solid showing in goal as he made four saves, a number of which were crucial. With several strong defensive stops, defender Harrison Delbridge also had a strong showing.
Delbridge offered in the post match conference, "The boys really showed a lot of grit today. It shows a bit of character when we are able to finish off the week right."
FCC will return to action next Saturday, July 30th, at Nippert against Charleston Battery. The match will be FCC's first meeting with Charleston since the two sides met in the opening match of the season.
