FLUSHING, NY(SMI-GLOBAL-SPORTS-NOVEMBER 02-03, 2024)-#6-Seeded NYCFC scored two-goals in the first half to defeat FC Cincinnati 3-1, and even the series 1-1, in the 2nd game out 3, of 2024 MLS Cup Play-off competition on a Saturday's afternoon at CitiField in Flushing NY.

With the win today, The Boys in Blue tied the series 1-1, forcing a 3rd-game play-off knock-out game against FC Cincinnati to be played on November 09, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

After losing 1-0, on the road against Cincinnati in the 1st out 3, playoff game last Monday October 28, NYCFC found themselves under pressure to win the 2nd game at home in order to keep its chances alive and advance to the Eastern semifinal rounds.

The Boys in Blue started the game very aggressive moving the ball forward down field in the first 20' and striker Alonso Martinez opening score at 22' mark to put New York 1-0, over Cincinnati.The goal was originated during a counter-attack by midfielder Hannes Wolf (Austria) through the right-side field passed the ball to Martinez  back to Wolf inside the 18', and crossed it back to Martinez who scored with right-footed to the lower left-goal post in back of the net for his first MLS Playoff goal and 17th overall of the 2024 MLS season.

NYCFC kept the pressure with consecutive counter-attacks and the second goal arrived through defender Thiago Martins at 39' to put the Boys in Blue 2-0, at the half. The goal play was originated through a direct kick by midfielder Santiago Rodriguez who centered the ball inside the 18', and Cincinnati's defender Miles Robinson tried to clear with header but it was intercepted by Thiago Martins who scored with a header to record his first playoff goal in five post-season game as a starter.

In the second half, Cincinnati's striker Luca Orellano cut the deficit 2-1, when 
he shot a left-footed canon to the upper left-side goal post from 20-yards away for his first MLS playoff goal at 65' mark.

The visitors kept the pressure and barely missed the tying game in 3-clear counter-attacks by defenders Teenage Hadebe and Alvas Powell with NYCFC's goalkeeper Matt Freese recording two sensational saves in the game. 

Santiago Rodriguez scored through a penalty shot in 90+7 stoppage time to seal a 3-1, victory over Cincinnati. 

NYCFC will face Cincinnati on game 3, next Saturday November 09, in a playoff knock-out game at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Article & Photo By Marcello Cutti II/Starlight Illustrated