D.C. United earned an important 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Saturday night, marking a 2-1-2 record in their last five matches across all competitions. The Black-and-Red delivered a strong team performance highlighted by contributions from Gabriel Pirani, Conner Antley, and goalkeeper Luis Barraza.
The Black-and-Red opened the scoring in just the 2nd minute off a set-piece. Defender David Schnegg delivered a precise pass to Gabriel Pirani, who powered a right-footed shot into the top-left corner from outside the penalty area, giving Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano no chance. That marks the Brazilian’s second goal in the last two matches, coming off the game-tying goal in stoppage time against New England last week.
FC Cincinnati quickly responded in the 15th minute. Kevin Denkey leveled the match with a composed left-footed finish, assisted by Evander, after finding space centrally inside the box.
Just four minutes later, D.C. United reclaimed the lead through another set-piece opportunity. Aaron Herrera's corner kick was redirected by Pirani, and Conner Antley confidently headed the ball into the bottom corner, scoring his first career MLS goal and restoring United’s advantage.
The remainder of the match featured competitive and physical play from both sides. Luis Barraza provided critical moments in goal, notably denying a long-range attempt by Luca Orellano in the 74th minute and an Evander shot in the 82nd minute, helping preserve the one-goal advantage.
Cincinnati pressed aggressively for an equalizer, but D.C. United's defense stood firm. The match ended with heightened physicality, resulting in several cautions for the Black-and-Red, including Brandon Servania, Dominique Badji, and Rida Zouhir.
The victory boosts D.C. United’s confidence and momentum as they prepare for upcoming matches, highlighting their resilience on the road and ability to manage tough game situations effectively. The Black-and-Red will look to take that momentum when they face Chicago Fire FC on Saturday, June 7th at Audi Field.
FC Cincinnati Lineup: Roman Celentano, Miles Robinson, Teenage Hadebe (Luca Orellano 46'), Matt Miazga (Brad Smith 68'), Lukas Engel, DeAndre Yedlin, Evander, Pavel Bucha, Brian Anunga (Obinna Nwobodo 46'), Kevin Denkey (Sergio Santos 83'), Gerardo Valenzuela (Kei Kamara 46')
Unused Substitutes: Evan Louro, Alvas Powell, Gilberto Flores, Corey Baird
Head Coach: Pat Noonan
D.C. United Lineup: Luis Barraza, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, Aaron Herrera, Matti Peltola (Brandon Servania 60'), Boris Enow (Rida Zouhir 84'), João Peglow (Hosei Kijima 46'), Gabriel Pirani (Jared Stroud 60'), Conner Antley, David Schnegg, Jacob Murrell (Dominique Badji 60')
Unused Substitutes: Jordan Farr, Randall Leal, Derek Dodson, Kristian Fletcher
Head Coach: Troy Lesesne
