FC Cincinnati secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over FC Dallas on Saturday in Frisco, Texas, thanks to Luca Orellano’s early second-half goal and a solid performance from goalkeeper Roman Celentano, who made key saves to preserve the win.
The Orange and Blue (13-4-3, 42 points) have now won three of their last four matches, maintaining their strong form after a season-best seven-game winning streak. This victory also leveled their record against FC Dallas at 1-1 for the season, with Cincinnati remaining in second place in the Eastern Conference.
Celentano, recording his fifth clean sheet of the season, showcased why FC Cincinnati boasts a league-best away record of 8-1-1 in 2024. Dallas (5-10-5, 20 points) suffered their second consecutive defeat and failed to register a shot on goal in the second half.
Dallas had their first shot on target early on when Logan Farrington tested Celentano in the 15th minute, but the goalkeeper comfortably dealt with the attempt. Celentano came up big again in the 41st minute, denying Eugene Ansah to keep Cincinnati level going into halftime.
Orellano broke the deadlock in the 47th minute with a left-footed strike from the center of the box, beating Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes after an assist from Gerardo Valenzuela. Orellano’s individual effort saw him dribble into space and find the upper-left corner with a precise finish.
In the second half, FC Cincinnati pushed for another goal, with Alvas Powell’s effort saved by Paes in the 68th minute. Dallas responded with their best chance of the match when Sebastian Lletget struck the left post, followed by Celentano’s impressive save to deny Illarramendi in the 72nd minute.
Despite late pressure from FC Dallas, FC Cincinnati held on to secure the crucial victory, highlighting their resilience and defensive solidity away from home.
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