In-Depth Minute-by-Minute Recap: FC Cincinnati vs. Charlotte FC Match Overview

FCC and Charlotte FC Set for TQL Stadium Clash: Captains Confirmed,Lineups Revealed

CINCINNATI,OH – FC Cincinnati and charlotte FC are poised to battle at TQL Stadium tonight,with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM local time.Ahead of the highly anticipated MLS matchup, both clubs have confirmed their starting lineups and designated captains.

FC Cincinnati will be led by veteran defender Matt Miazga, while Charlotte FC will look to Tim Ream to steer the team.

FC Cincinnati’s Starting XI:

Roman celentano (GK), DeAndre Yedlin, Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga (Captain), lukas Ahlefeld Engel, Luca Orellano, Pavel Bucha, Brian, Evander, In Kamara, Gerardo Valenzuela.

Pat Noonan’s squad boasts a strong defensive line anchored by Miazga and robinson,aiming to stifle Charlotte’s attacking threats. The midfield will rely on the creativity of Evander and the energy of bucha to dictate play.

Charlotte FC’s Starting XI:

Christian Kahlina (GK), Bill Tuloloma, Adilson Malanda, Tim Ream (Captain), Nathan Byrne, Brandt Bronico, Wilfried Zaha, Djibril Dianani, Kerwin Vargas, If Toklomati, Great Abad.

Dean Smith has opted for a lineup featuring the star power of Wilfried Zaha, hoping the Ivorian international can unlock the Cincinnati defense. Bronico’s leadership in midfield will be crucial for controlling possession and launching attacks.

Key Match Details:

Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Referee: Filip Dujic
* Time: 7:00 PM local time

MLS Rivalry & Tactical Outlook:

This contest represents a key fixture in the Eastern conference, with both teams vying for valuable points in the MLS standings. FC Cincinnati, playing on home turf, will aim to leverage the passionate support of their fans. Charlotte FC, though, will be determined to disrupt the home advantage and secure a crucial away victory.The matchup between Miazga and Zaha promises to be a captivating individual battle, while the midfield duel between Bucha and Bronico will likely determine the flow of the game. Expect a tightly contested affair with both sides showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.

What was the pivotal moment in the second half that shifted the momentum in favor of Charlotte FC?

First Half – A Cautious Start & Early Pressure

The match between FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC, played on August 10, 2025, began with a measured tempo. Both teams seemed to prioritize defensive solidity in the opening minutes.

0-10 Minutes: Initial exchanges were largely confined to midfield battles. FC Cincinnati, playing at home, attempted to establish possession, but Charlotte FC’s pressing disrupted their rhythm. Key passes were attempted by Luciano acosta, but met with strong challenges.

11-20 Minutes: Charlotte FC began to assert themselves, winning a corner kick that was cleared effectively by the FCC defense. A hazardous run from Kamil Jóźwiak forced a foul just outside the box, presenting a promising free-kick opportunity. The free kick, however, sailed over the crossbar.

21-30 Minutes: The game’s first significant chance fell to FC Cincinnati. A well-weighted through ball found Brandon Vazquez, but his shot was brilliantly saved by charlotte FC’s goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina. This sparked a period of sustained FCC pressure.

31-40 Minutes: Charlotte FC responded with a counter-attack, led by Karol Świderski. His attempt to create space for a shot was thwarted by a timely tackle from Nick Hagglund. Yellow cards were issued to Álvaro Barreal (FCC) and Anton Walkes (Charlotte FC) for seperate challenges.

41-45 Minutes: A late surge from FC Cincinnati saw them earn another corner. The resulting delivery caused chaos in the Charlotte FC box, but no clear shot on goal materialized. The first half ended scoreless – a 0-0 draw reflecting a tightly contested 45 minutes of MLS action.Key stats at halftime: FCC 55% possession, Charlotte FC 45%.

Second Half – Goals, Drama & Late tension

The second half proved to be far more eventful, with both teams finding the back of the net and a flurry of late-game drama.

46-55 Minutes: FC Cincinnati came out with renewed energy.Luciano Acosta‘s dribbling skills were on full display, creating several opportunities. In the 52nd minute, a penalty was awarded to FCC after a handball in the box. Acosta calmly converted the spot-kick, giving FC Cincinnati a 1-0 lead.

56-65 Minutes: Charlotte FC promptly responded. A swift counter-attack, initiated by Jaylin Lindsey, culminated in a powerful strike from Swiderski, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 60th minute. the goal injected new life into the visitors.

66-75 Minutes: The game became increasingly open, with both teams committing more players forward. Substitute forward, Yuya Kubo (Cincinnati), made an immediate impact, drawing a foul in a dangerous area. The resulting free-kick was headed just wide by Matt Miazga.

76-85 Minutes: A controversial moment occurred in the 80th minute when Charlotte FC’s Adam Armour appeared to be brought down in the box, but the referee waved play on.Replays suggested a potential penalty. FC Cincinnati made a defensive substitution, bringing on Obinna Nwobodo for Álvaro Barreal.

86-90 Minutes: late pressure from Charlotte FC saw them earn a corner. The corner was cleared,but the ball fell to Jóźwiak,whose long-range effort was saved by Roman celentano.

90+ Minutes (added Time): Four minutes of added time were announced. FC Cincinnati desperately defended their goal, while Charlotte FC continued to push for a winner.A final, frantic scramble in the FCC box ended with Celentano claiming the ball, securing a 1-1 draw.

Key Player Performances

Luciano Acosta (FC cincinnati): A constant threat throughout the match, scoring the penalty and creating numerous chances. His vision and dribbling were instrumental in FCC’s attacking efforts.

Karol Świderski (Charlotte FC): A clinical finish to equalize for Charlotte FC. His movement and ability to find space were crucial.

Kristijan Kahlina (Charlotte FC): Made several key saves to deny FC cincinnati, keeping Charlotte FC in