FC Cincinnati loses game, players, in disaster at Philadelphia Union
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FC Cincinnati loses game, players, in disaster at Philadelphia Union
James Weber, Cincinnati Enquirer·The Enquirer
·
4 min read
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The starting eleven players for FC Cincinnati during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Pedro Gallegos screams in support of FC Cincinnati before a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, fights with the Vancouver Whitecaps for control of the ball at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
A young fan pumps his fist in hopes of getting on the pregame audience cam before a FCC match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Obinna Nwobodo, 5, runs for the ball during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
A food-themed FCC fan shows support for his team before a the start of a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Pavel Bucha, 20, walks out with his teammates after scoring a goal early in the match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Gerardo Valenzuela, 22, tries to defend control of the ball from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Fans celebrate after Kévin Denkey, 9, scores a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Tah Brian Anunga, 27, and Kévin Denkey, 9, talk after a failed goal attempt during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC forward Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, gets on his knees in celebration after scoring a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Two young fans celebrate after FC Cincinnati players acknowledge them while going to halftime during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC goalkeeper Roman Celentano, 18, looks to the top of the crowd during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC defender Teenage Hadebe, 15, hits a header while competing for the ball with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela, 22, and forward Tom Barlow, 16, run down Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, in pursuit of the ball during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, takes a fall and loses possession of the ball during a match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
A shaft of sunlight breaks through TQL Stadium during a FC Cincinnati match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, tries to defend the ball from Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC defender Bryan Ramirez, 29, takes a fall while fighting for control of the ball with Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Oliver Larraz, 8, during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, gets his faced clean by an official while talking to Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White, 24, after FCC’s win at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, gets encouraged by teammate and defender Nick Hagglund, 4, after their win against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC defender Matt Miazga, 21, encourages fans to celebrate after the team’s win against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
1/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
The starting eleven players for FC Cincinnati during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
1/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
The starting eleven players for FC Cincinnati during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
2/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Pedro Gallegos screams in support of FC Cincinnati before a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
3/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, fights with the Vancouver Whitecaps for control of the ball at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
4/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
A young fan pumps his fist in hopes of getting on the pregame audience cam before a FCC match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
5/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Obinna Nwobodo, 5, runs for the ball during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
6/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
A food-themed FCC fan shows support for his team before a the start of a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
7/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
8/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Pavel Bucha, 20, walks out with his teammates after scoring a goal early in the match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
9/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Gerardo Valenzuela, 22, tries to defend control of the ball from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
10/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Fans celebrate after Kévin Denkey, 9, scores a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
11/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Tah Brian Anunga, 27, and Kévin Denkey, 9, talk after a failed goal attempt during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
12/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC forward Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, gets on his knees in celebration after scoring a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
13/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Two young fans celebrate after FC Cincinnati players acknowledge them while going to halftime during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
14/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC goalkeeper Roman Celentano, 18, looks to the top of the crowd during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
15/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC defender Teenage Hadebe, 15, hits a header while competing for the ball with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
16/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela, 22, and forward Tom Barlow, 16, run down Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, in pursuit of the ball during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
17/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, takes a fall and loses possession of the ball during a match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
18/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
A shaft of sunlight breaks through TQL Stadium during a FC Cincinnati match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
19/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, tries to defend the ball from Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
20/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC defender Bryan Ramirez, 29, takes a fall while fighting for control of the ball with Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Oliver Larraz, 8, during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
21/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, gets his faced clean by an official while talking to Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White, 24, after FCC’s win at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
22/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, gets encouraged by teammate and defender Nick Hagglund, 4, after their win against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
23/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC defender Matt Miazga, 21, encourages fans to celebrate after the team’s win against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FC Cincinnatihad a completely disastrous night Sept. 9 in Philadelphia.
Cincinnati lost 5-0 toPhiladelphia Unionat Subaru Park in Chester, Pa., a loss that damages Cincinnati's place in the standings in both points and goal differential. Cincinnati also lostEvanderandObinna Nwobodofor their next match against Charlotte Sept. 12 due to card suspensions.
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FC Cincinnati drops to 8-8-7, remaining on 31 points and dropping to seventh place in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference. Cincy has now lost two straight games by a combined score of 9-0. Their goal differential is now minus-seven. Philly improves to 8-10-6 for 30 points and is now plus-two. Philly is now 7-0-2 since the World Cup break under interim head coachRyanRichter.
"Yeah another instance where we can't get out of our own way with discipline in how the game looks," said FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan. "So, bad night, and we'll see how we respond from this."
FC Cincinnati forward Ayoub Jabbari (99) and Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) jump for a header in the first half at Subaru Park in Philadelphia Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Nwobodo, Cincinnati's top defensive midfielder, drew a red card in the 16th minute. The foul was initially ruled a yellow but was upgraded after video review. Cincinnati played a man down after that, and Nwobodo will be suspended for this weekend's home match with Charlotte.
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The game remained scoreless until late in the first half, when Philly struck twice. The first came on a penalty kick byQuinn Sullivanafter Evander was called for a foul in the goal box. He was given a yellow card on the play, which suspended him for the Charlotte match due to yellow card accumulation.
"Yeah, we lose two key pieces, but I think we'll have guys that are ready," Noonan said. "But of course, when you take those two out of the mix, I think for any team that can affect the group. But we'll see what that means for us because we have guys that can fill in those roles and help us perform and win."
In stoppage time.Bruno Damianiscored from close range to give Philly a 2-0 lead at halftime.
"I thought actually for the remainder of the half we actually defended in a good way up until the penalty," Noonan said. "We could have made a couple of early decisions (on substitutions), but I I felt like the group, from (the red card) to the penalty was actually defended in a pretty good way."
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Damiani scored twice in the first 16 minutes of the second half to make it 4-0 and give himself a hat trick.Cavan Sullivanassisted on all three goals and Quinn Sullivan two for a four goal-contribution night.
Damiani has six goals for the year. Damani had scored in both wins over Cincinnati last year, and had a goal later in Wednesday's match waved off by a handball on another player.
FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander (10) reacts as referee Joseph Dickerson shows midfielder Obinna Nwobodo (not pictured) a red card against the Philadelphia Union in the first half at Subaru Park Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Pavel Buchascored in the second half, but it was waved off on an offside call by video review.
Milan Iloskiprovided the final score on another PK late in the game, his 12th of the season.
Philly dominated the stats, with 18 shots and 65% possession to only one shot for Cincinnati. Kevin Denkey missed a shot on a quality chance in the first half when it was scoreless, and Cincinnati never had a shot on goal after that.
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Cincinnati fell to 1-6-5 on the road overall this year, and 1-6-2 all-time in Subaru Park.
Cincinnati played its 250th all-time MLS regular-season match, and is 92-101-57 all-time after a rough first three seasons from 2019 to 2021.
Nick Hagglundcame into the game to start the second half, the first minutes he has seen on the pitch since the World Cup break.
The club made headlines by parting ways with veterancenter back Matt Miazgaon Sept. 4. Miazga is still listed on the roster butshared a post on InstagramSept. 4 saying goodbye to FC Cincinnati and the fans.
Noonan said that hasn't been a distraction but the team's approach was still lacking.
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"Mentality can be a lot better," he said. "Our last two performances show that. I don't put it on just players. This is a collective concern."
Cincinnati hostsCharlotte FC7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at TQL Stadium. Charlotte entered the night in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, and beat Montreal 2-1 Wednesday to improve to 39 points (11-7-6), eight ahead of Cincinnati. The teamsdrew 2-2May 9 in Charlotte.
