CINCINNATI, OH --- Djiby scored the game-winner for the second time in FC Cincinnati’s U.S. Open Cup run as the Orange and Blue moved past Louisville City FC, 1-0, Wed. night at Nippert Stadium. With the win, FCC advances to the fourth round and will host Columbus Crew SC Wed., June 14 at Nippert Stadium at 7:00 p.m.
“The guys are ecstatic, the club is ecstatic and the fans are ecstatic after today’s win against Louisville FC,” said Head Coach Alan Koch. “We’re thrilled to host the Columbus Crew in the next round. This game is very, very unique. You ride the waves at times and we’re going to keep going with it. We’re still a young club, but it’s obvious as to where our club wants to go in the future but we’re looking forward to hosting the Crew in the coming weeks.”
Djiby’s goal, his seventh of the season and second of the tournament after scoring the lone goal against AFC Cleveland, came in the 49th minute of play. Aodhan Quinn’s corner kick caromed off a Louisville City defender toward the goal, forcing keeper Greg Ranjitsingh to dive to make the initial save. However, Djiby found himself in perfect position to collect the short rebound and strike the ball cleanly into the back of the net.
Much of the early play was held between the midfield lines to open to first half, as attacking opportunities were hard to come by for either side. The FCC defensive line dug in early with strong performances by Harrison Delbridge and Austin Berry. The defense was supported by keeper Mitch Hildebrandt, delivering a number of key acrobatic saves throughout the first half of play.
“No matter what, you want to win. I’ve said this before and I’ll continue to say it - it is a privilege to play 90 minutes,” said Hildebrandt. “We go out there and play for each other, no matter who is on the pitch at the time, we’re there for each other. Harry (Delbridge) and Austin (Berry) are fighting for every ball and covering for each other, and the work that Matt (Bahner), Tyler (Polak) and Justin (Hoyte) were getting up and down the field to attack and were getting right back on defense and all of those guys deserve major credit.”
As the first half of action progressed, the FCC attack found themselves in a number of near-goal opportunities. Coming in the 21st minute of play, Kadeem Dacres broke free of the defense worked the ball to Jimmy McLaughlin through Andrew Wiedeman. McLaughlin dribbled around a defender but would send the close range shot directly into the arms of Ranjitsingh.
In the 45th minute of play FCC tried for one final attack. Dacres worked his way out of the defensive pressure and dribbled up the sideline to send a pass to Quinn in the center of the field. Quinn quickly collected the feed and rifled off a shot from outside the box, sailing just high of the goal.
Following Djiby’s goal in the early minutes of the second half, the FCC offense built off their moment and continued to have strong scoring opportunities. Forward Danni Konig relieved Djiby in the 71st minute, providing a set of fresh legs and had a number of near goal chances to keep the pressure on visiting LCFC.
FCC will be return to league play this Sat. June 6 when they travel to take on Rochester Rhinos. Play will start at 6 p.m.
Goal Summary:
FCC: 49th - Djiby
Starting Lineups:
FCC: Mitch Hildebrandt, Matt Bahner, Austin Berry, Harrison Delbridge, Justin Hoyte, Aodhan Quinn, Corben Bone, Andrew Wiedeman, Jimmy McLaughlin, Kadeem Dacres, Djiby
LCFC: Greg Ranjitsingh, Tarek Morad, Paco Craig, Kyle Smith, Brian Ownby, Guy Abend, Niall McGabe, Oscar Jimenez, George Davis IV, Paolo Delpiccolo, Luke Spencer
Attendance: 6,519
