Before the match on March 22, 2026, expectations were high for CF Montreal as they faced FC Cincinnati. Historically, FC Cincinnati had struggled to secure victories when trailing, particularly in regular season matches. However, this game would mark a significant turning point.
In a dramatic twist, FC Cincinnati managed to secure a 4-3 victory, with Kévin Denkey scoring the decisive goal in the 90’+4 minute. This victory was particularly notable as FC Cincinnati had been reduced to 10 men after Miles Robinson received a red card in the 60th minute, a situation that typically favors the opposing team.
The immediate effects of this match were profound for both teams. CF Montreal’s Prince Owusu scored two goals, including a penalty kick, but it was not enough to secure a win. Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati celebrated their first come-from-behind victory while playing down a man, a feat they had never accomplished before.
Ayoub Jabbari also made headlines by scoring his first career MLS goal in the 52nd minute, adding to the excitement of the match. Ender Echenique contributed significantly with one goal and one assist, showcasing the depth of talent within FC Cincinnati’s roster.
Attendance at TQL Stadium reached 25,513, marking a sellout crowd that witnessed this thrilling encounter. The atmosphere was electric, with fans rallying behind their team during a challenging match.
FC Cincinnati improved their season record to 2-3-0, while CF Montreal faced a setback that could impact their momentum moving forward. Tom Barlow’s equalizing goal in the 80th minute had briefly given hope to FC Cincinnati, but it was Denkey’s late-game heroics that sealed the deal.
Pat Noonan, FC Cincinnati’s coach, reflected on the match, stating, “It wasn’t a pretty game, to be honest, but I don’t care. I just like the fight that we saw.” This sentiment was echoed by players like Tom Barlow, who expressed gratitude towards the fans for their unwavering support.
As the season progresses, FC Cincinnati will look to build on this victory, with their next match scheduled against Red Bull New York on April 4, 2026. Meanwhile, CF Montreal will need to regroup and reassess their strategy to avoid similar outcomes in the future.
The truth is, as Ender Echenique put it, “this team never gives up,” suggesting that both teams will continue to fight hard as the MLS season unfolds.
