On a night when FC Cincinnati played without five of its regular starters, a veteran and former starter gave the Orange and Blue the lift they needed.
Sergio Santos scored his first goal of the season in the 66th minute, less than 10 minutes after coming off the bench. He tapped the ball in from close range past Revolution keeper Aljaž Ivačič after receiving a crossing pass from Pavel Bucha.
Bucha collected the ball off a deflection after Corey Baird fired a shot that Ivačič had to dive to the ground to save.
That was enough as Cincinnati beat New England 1-0 Saturday night at TQL Stadium. Cincinnati is now 4-2-1 for 13 points. The Orange and Blue entered the day tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference in points with 10 but officially in eighth place based on goal differential. New England took its fourth loss in six games and is now 1-4-1 for four points.
Santos’ goal came moments after FC Cincy keeper Roman Celentano made a diving save near the post on Ignatius Ganago.
Cincinnati was without several of its leading players: Evander and Yuya Kubo on offense, and Obinna Nwobodo, Miles Robinson and Teenage Hadebe on defense.
Without them, Australian Brad Smith made his first start of the season, playing left wing back. Tah Brian Anunga made his second start in MLS play at midfielder.
Cincinnati native Nick Hagglund played out of position at center back, similar to his performance against Atlanta two weeks ago. But he helped shut out New England.
Star defender Matt Miazga was not in the lineup but was available as a substitute for the first time this season as he recovers from a leg injury that cut his 2024 season short. He did not enter the game.
FC Cincinnati shut out New England star midfielder Carles Gil, keeping him off the scoreboard. Gil, who had 40 career goals and 73 assists, has one goal and five assists in 10 games against Cincinnati.
Cincinnati handed New England (1-4-1) its fourth shutout in six games. Gil had scored both goals last week in a win over the New York Red Bulls, and the Revs lost 2-1 to New York City Football Club with an own-goal by the opponents.
FC Cincinnati coaching ties and team milestones
FCC beat New England at home for the first time in franchise history. Cincy had been 0-4-1 against the Revolution at home.
Cincy scored its 46th goal since the beginning of the 2024 season after halftime. FCC entered the ...
