FC Cincinnati - Philadelphia Union summary: score, goals and updates, MLS Cup Playoffs
FC Cincinnati book their place in the Eastern Conference final with a dramatic late victory over Philadelphia Union.
Pat Noonan's side came into the game as slight favourites but faced a tough task against a Union team that made it to MLS Cup last season. Cincy enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the first half but struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances.
Things opened up a little in the second half with openings for both sides. Aaron Boupendza impressed for the hosts, linking the offensive play and dovetailing nicely with Luciano Acosta.
After a few near misses both sides appeared to have accepted that the game was heading for extra time, until a late winner from young defender Yerson Mosquera clinched the game for the hosts. Cincy full back Alvaro Barreal lifted the ball into the Union box and it fell at the feet of Mosquera, who confidently rifled home.
The hosts were able to see out the final stages and book a Eastern Conference clash with Columbus Crew next weekend.
Incredible scenes in Cincinnati after dramatic winner
It's been quite the season for Cincinnati, but tonight's astonishing late win must be the high point so far. They were made to work hard against a well-drilled, experienced Philadelphia Union side.
But it was Cincy who found the breakthrough in the dying moments, Yerson Mosquera scoring the winner in additional time. Just look what it means to the players and the supporters of FC Cincinnati...
MLS Eastern Conference final confirmed
After two thrilling fixtures in the East on Saturday, we now know the identities of the two teams who will compete to be number one in the Eastern Conference.
FC Cincinnati will host Columbus Crew on Saturday, 2 December at TQL Stadium.
Yerson Mosquera goal wins it for Cincinnati
Here is that moment! The moment that secured a Conference final spot for FC Cincinnati.
Yerson Mosquera was tasked with replacing Matt Miazga at the heart of the Cincy backline and he certainly lived up to that billing in the final stages. What a night for the young Colombian.
Sensational scenes at TQL Stadium as Cincy book their place in the Eastern Conference final. They may be missing the MLS Defender of the Year, but Cincinnati end with a clean sheet and a crucial victory over a well-drilled Philadelphia team.
FULL TIME
And that's it, FC Cincinnati progress after a dramatic late winner from Yerson Mosquera!
Cincinnati have a free kick in the Union half and take the ball to the corner. Vazquez and Acosta do well but the ball spills through to Blake.
Union need to get it forward now!
Double change for Union, Donovan and Sullivan come on for the visitors.
We're into the final moments now, final chances for Union to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Not content to sit back, Cincinnati come forward against with Vasquez. The USMNT forward strikes from a tight angle but Blake punches clear.
Hang on, VAR check
Potential offside on Murphy, hold onto your hats...
There was so much space for the Cincy defender!
Barreal clipped the ball into the box, Murphy nodded the ball down and the young defender finished emphatically.
Gooooooaaaaal! Cincinnati
The hosts have the lead through Yerson Musquera!
Is that the goal that puts them through to the Eastern Conference finals?
Union enjoy a foray up-field but Carranza can't control the ball on the edge of the box.
Cincy come straight back at them and win a free kick midway into the Union half. Acosta will clip this into the box...
We're now two minutes into the six minutes of added time at TQL Stadium.
It's Barreal who takes it, but his effort is off target. A waste.
There's nearly an opening for Badji as he spins on the ball in the box, but Mbaizo does well to snuff out the danger.
The ball bounces back to Acosta and he is fouled on the edge of the box, winning a free kick in a dangerous position. He will hit this one...
Philadelphia Union are starting to sit back now, unwilling to lose this in the final stages of regulation time. Let's see how much added time is awarded...
You'd have to assume that Boupendza was starting to tire, because he was among the best players on the field during his 87 minutes of action. Badji offers more of a threat in behind, but Cincy will miss Boupendza's link-up play.
There's a first change for Cincinnati as Aaron Boupendza is replaced by Dominique Badji.
The Cincy crowd is still in good voice but there's a real sense of tension now. As we approach the 90 minutes, a single goal could be decisive.
Brilliant effort from Harriel!
Philadelphia work the ball to him on the edge of the box and he whips a fierce right-footed shot at goal, forcing a good stop from Celentano.
Good combination from Gazdag and McGyn in the middle of the pitch but they can't quite work the ball through to Uhre.
It comes back to Carranza on the edge of the box but his effort is blocked and bounces out for a corner.
Good defensive work from Vazquez to win the ball back for Cincinnati. He looks to find Acosta but misplaces his pass, giving it straight back to the Union.
Cincinnati win a corner and there's a huge roar as Acosta trots across to take it.
He floats in a cross to the back post but Cincinnati lose the ball and the Union have a chance to come forward with it now.
This is a big ask for Bueno, coming into a high-intensity playoff fixture to line up against perhaps the best player in the league. He will slot in at the base of Union's midfield diamond.
Philadelphia are forced into the first substitution of the game. Jesus Bueno comes on to replace the injured Jose Martinez.
There's an opportunity for both sets of players to take on some water as Martinez continues to be attended to by the Union medics. He's in real pain here, it looks like he might be unable to continue.
That would be a massive blow for Philadelphia.
Aaron Boupendza
The Cincinnati forward flies into a reckless challenge after being muscled out of the ball by Jose Martinez, hacking down the Union midfielder in frustration.
Martinez is still down, now receiving treatment.
Good work from Barriel to track back and regain the ball for his team. He finds Acosta on the edge of the box but the MVP candidate is easily dispossessed.
It's not been Lucho's night, so far...
With less than 20 minutes of normal time remaining, there's still no sign of a substitution from either side. You'd have to assume that is, in part, due to the absences suffered by both teams.
The two coaches are limiting for options tonight and are choosing to stick, not twist, for now.
Carranza brings Union forward on the left and plays a clever ball through to Uhre, sprinting behind the Cincinnati backline. He latches onto the through ball but can't get a shot away before being swamped by recovering defenders.
A decent opening for the visitors.
Boupendza has been the best player on the pitch so far and he shows neat footwork again to connect Vazquez and Acosta 30 yards from goal. Vazquez's return pass is a little underihit and the Union regain possession.
Cincy clear the corner kick and come streaking forward with Kubo.
The Japanese forward gets his team up the pitch and they look to build the play on the edge of the Union box.
There's a break in play after Mosquera falls to the floor after receiving a light shove from Carranza. He wants a red card, the referee is having none of it.
Rightly so.
Nearly an opening for Philadelphia!
They take the free kick quickly and work the ball through to Carranza in the box. He squares it to Uhre, who twists and turns but finds his avenues blocked at every turn.
Cincy clear for a corner kick.
More good play from Martinez in the middle for the Union, dancing through the challenges. He wins a free kick ten yards in to the Cincy half.
Joyful little touch from Boupendza to send Acosta racing forward. He sweeps the ball out to Vazquez on the far side but it's a little behind him and the attack falters.
To ball bounces back to Boupendza but he's adjudged to be in an offside position.
The corner kick is cleared by Boupendza and Martinez charges onto the loose ball with only one thing on his mind.
But this time he gets it all wrong and his shot flies over the crossbar.
First real attacking involvement for Bedoya, who skips behind the Cincy defence and fires the ball across goal. Cincy clear but only for a corner.
Once again, the referee isn't happy with a bit of scuffling in the middle.
For a second it looks like Acosta is in on goal, running off the shoulder of Lowe, but the Union defender does brilliantly to get back and put a block in.
Philadelphia Union break after clearing a corner and work it out to Martinez on the right. He lumps a wild volleyed cross into the box but it's well over-hit.
The visitors try to win the ball back but give away a free kick.
Cincinnati have looked dangerous through the middle but haven't really found much joy in the wide areas so far.
That looks to be changing as Alvas Powell makes a powerful run forward on the right and tries to clip in a cross, but Boupendza is crowded out in the middle.
Julian Carranza
The Philadelphia striker is booked for a late challenge on Mosquera on the edge of the box.
A little over-eager.
Philadelphia clear the corner, then go up the other end and nearly score!
The ball is slipped through to Carranza on the right and side of the penalty box and he lashes a fierce right-footed shot just wide of the goal.
On second look, he may have been in an offside position. But it's a sign of attacking intent from Union.
Brilliant run from Acosta to shrug off Martinez and charge into the Philly box. He wins a corner kick for his team.
And we're back...
The Union get the second half underway at TQL Stadium.
Cincinnati on top, but only just
Here's how the first half went down. The hosts had slightly more of the play, but it remains goalless.
Back in Cincinnati, it doesn't like like there will be any half time substitutions for either team but Philadelphia may look to change their midfield set up.
Aaron Boupendza has been able to drop deep for Cincy and has looked very dangerous with his running through the middle. His combinations with Luciano Acosta look like the most likely source of a goal in this game.
Columbus Crew secure Conference final spot
The winner of this game at TQL Stadium will take on Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference final next weekend. Wilfred Nancy's side triumphed over Orlando City. Cucho Hernandez made the game safe with this extraordinary strike from the halfway line.
Scoreless at the break in Cincinnati
It was an engrossing first half at TQL Stadium but neither team could find the breakthrough goal.
Cincinnati enjoyed the lion's share of possession and created the better chances, but Philadelphia battled back into it and forged some openings of their own as the break neared.
Cincy played the better football, but Jim Curtin may well be the happier of the two coaches at half time.
Half time
They can't.
That's it for the first half, all square at TQL Stadium after a fascinating opening 45 minutes.
Cincinnati are in possession for final minute and switch the ball out to Barreal on the left flank. Can they create one final opening of the half?
There will be just one minute of injury time at the end of the first half.
With half time approaching it is Philadelphia who are growing into the game. They've looked resolute in defence and are starting to pose a threat on the counter-attack.
Absolutely stunning play from Mbaizo who skips past Murphy on the right and flashing a devilish low cross along the six-yard box.
It bounces across the face of goal but no one's there to connect. A missed opportunity for the Union.
Chances for Cincinnati now!
Acosta twists and turns in the box but the Union manage to prevent him getting a clear sight at goal. For a moment the ball bounces around the box but the visitors clear.
Neat combination play from Boupendza and Acosta there.
Real opening for Philadelphia!
They found a bit of space in the middle of the pitch and Gazdag curled in a cross to the back post, where Uhre was lurking. He connected well with the cross but his effort flew over the cross bar.
They have had little of the ball, but it's been a pretty successful opening 38 minutes for Philadelphia Union. Cincy have found some space in the midfield but they've restricted them to pot shots from range.
Acosta whips in the resultant corner but nothing comes of it. Union with a goal kick.
More strong running from Boupendza, who is finding so much space in the middle of the field. He makes it to the edge of the box and lets fly, forcing a good stop from Blake to tip it around the post.
Cincy get it clear and punt the ball up field, looking to start a counter-attack.
Vasquez tries to lift a pass over to Acosta on the right flank but he gets it all wrong and the ball bounces out for a Union goal kick.
Another corner kick for Philadelphia, who are just starting to grow into the game now.
McGlynn to take again, replacing regular taker Wagner.
Raymon Gaddis
There's a first booking of the game for Cincinnati as the defender is a little late in a challenge on Harriel. He can't have many complaints there.
Philadelphia win the ball back and Blake looks to launch a swift counter attack.
He aim is a little off and Cincinnati are back on the ball.
Brilliant play from Boupendza, who skips through the Union defence. He takes aim but his effort is blocked and rebounds to Vazquez.
The USMNT star tries to make space for a shot but his strike is also deflected, and goes out for a corner.
Philadelphia win a corner kick, a chance for McGlynn to deliver with quality.
He swings in the ball and finds Harriel, but the defender's header flies well over the crossbar.
There's a bit of bite in the game now as a series of full-blooded challenges fly in.
Acosta, unsurprisingly, is in the middle of it all.
Nearly a chance for the Union!
Uhre steals in behind the Cincinnati backline but can't quite latch onto ta clever through ball from Ganzag. That will give them some heart after a tough opening spell.
Kubo has been all over the field in the early stages, now popping up on the left flank. He tries to skip past Mbaizo but is muscled out near the touchline.
Early statistics show the extent of the Cincinnati dominance, they have had 70% of the possession so far.
Philadelphia take advantage of a Kubo's offensive inclinations and get in behind the Cincy midfield, winning a free kick.
Martinez takes the 30-yard free kick, but whacks it straight into the wall.
That flurry of half-chances has bumped up the noise in TQL even further.
Kubo makes a powerful break forward from midfield and skips past a Union challenge. He looks to exchange a sharp one-two with Boupendza on the edge of the box but can't quite reach the return.
More good play from the hosts.
Brilliant goalkeeping from Andre Blake to keep a devilish Acosta cross at bay. He punches away the resultant corner out too, but Cincinnati come flooding back.
Damion Lowe
The Philadelphia Union defender is booked for a late challenge on Luciano Acosta. He's walking a tightrope now.
Barrelling run with the ball from Ian Murphy, who charges through the Union midfield. He is clipped as he approaches the penalty box, winning a foul for his team.
Acosta delivers but it's cleared and Union win a throw-in.
On second look it seems that Lowe got a toe on the ball as he bundled into Boupendza, but it wasn't a good tackle from the Union defender.
Huge appeals for a penalty as Boupendza goes down in the box!
Nothing given initially, but that might be looked at by VAR. It was certainly a clumsy tackle...
Neat touch from Boupendza to bring Barreal sweeping forward on the left. The blonde-haired left back takes a touch and turns back inside.
Cincinnati have dominated the early stages here, roared on by a fervent home support. The hosts are determined to set the agenda on home turf and are looking to press the ball high.
Acosta gives away a foul for an over-eager challenge on Martinez on the edge of the Union box.
The corner kick was easily cleared but Cincy have it again with Acosta on the right. He cross from wide but Blake claims the ball well.
There's a bit of squabbling in the box, between Boupendza and Martinez, which the referee takes a moment to address.
Early free kick for Cincinnati on the left flank. Acosta plays in short for Barreal to dink into the box.
Philadelphia clear for the first corner kick of the game.
And we're off!
We're underway in Cincinnati for this Eastern Conference playoff semi-final...
The players are out on the field now, going through their final pre-game preparations. There's an incredible atmosphere at TQL Stadium now with a full lights show taking place before kick-off.
The pressure is absolutely on Cincinnati tonight tonight. Pat Noonan will hope that his team can use that to their advantage as they look to break down a resolute Philadelphia side.
Kick-off is fast approaching at TQL Stadium, there's little more than five minutes to go now.
There's a real sense of anticipation in Cincinnati and a feeling that Pat Noonan's side still have room to improve in the post-season.
One to watch: Luciano Acosta
With thanks to our friends at Sofascore, here's a look at the incredible 2023 performances of Cincinnati captain Luciano Acosta.
The Argentine has been in imperious form this season and is the hot favourite to pick up the MLS MVP award. He has already led his team to Supporters Shield, can he spark something really special in the post-season?
Both teams suffering defensive losses
We could be in for a high-scoring game this evening, with both teams missing key defensive players for this semi-final clash. FC Cincinnati are without Matt Miazga, who was recently announced as the MLS Defensive Player of the Year, due to suspension.
For Philadelphia, neither Kai Wagner nor Jakob Glesnes are in the squad. The absence of Glesnes has necessitated a switch to a back four, which complicates things for Jim Curtin's side.
Let's see how they can react to these losses.
Atmosphere building in Cincinnati!
The Cincinnati faithful endured a torrid few years, finishing bottom of MLS on more than one occasion, before being transformed under Pat Noonan. This year the team romped to the Eastern Conference title and picked up the Supporters Shield for the first time in club history.
With a real chance of going deep in the playoffs, the Cincinnati supporters are making themselves heard tonight.
Cincinnati must keep composure, Noonan says
"In these moments when you get into the pressure games and environments, it can be chaotic, but you still have to play, and you have to figure out how to have composure."
"Whether it's decision making with the ball, whether it's getting past mistakes, how you conduct yourself with the officials, you have to find ways to mentally be in the right space to get the decisions right and to help your team."
TQL Stadium starting to fill up
FC Cincinnati moved into TQL Stadium in 2021 and the 26,000-capacity venue has been pumping for most of 2023. The Supporters Shield champions have a fervent home support behind them and will be looking to make the most of that this evening.
One surprise for Cincinnati tonight as Yuya Kubo starts in the middle for Pat Noonan's side. The Japanese forward has been an important impact player this season but started just ten regular season fixtures, largely as a wide forward.
Tonight he starts in midfield against a well-drilled Philadelphia side.
And here's the Cincinnati starting XI
The hosts name a very attacking line up, with Kubo joining Acosta in a forward-thinking midfield trio. Vazquez and Boupendza start up front for Pat Noonan's side.
Here's the Philadelphia Union team for tonight
We have the starting XI for Jim Curtin's side tonight, no major surprises for the visitors.
Supporters Shield winners arrive for semi-final clash
Luciano Acosta, Brandon Vazquez and Alvaro Barreal arrive at TQL Stadium for the game. That trio have been among Cincinnati's best performers this year and will be looking to make their mark on the playoffs.
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We should have team news from TQL Stadium fairly soon, but one player who definitely won't be featuring tonight is Matt Miazga. The recently-awarded Defender of the Year is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in bizarre circumstances in Cincy's last outing.
However the full extent of his suspension is still unclear, meaning that Pat Noonan is unsure exactly when this key player can return.
The scene is set
TQL Stadium is the venue for tonight's Eastern Conference semi-final clash between Cincinnati and Philadelphia. We're expecting a capacity crowd in Cincy this evening as the Supporters Shield look to book their place in the Conference final.
Philadelphia touch down in Cincinnati
Jim Curtin's team go into tonight's game as slight underdogs but this experienced Philadelphia Union side will not be phased by the Supporters' Shield winners. The visitors have just arrived at TQL Stadium and are looking relaxed.
What happens if Cincinnati vs Philadelphia ends in a tie? Tonight's semi-final is a single-legged elimination tie, meaning that the winner has to be decided on the night.
Here's what needs to happen for the game to go to a penalty shoot-out...
Atmosphere building at TQL Stadium
FC Cincinnati blitzed through the Eastern Conference, winning the Supporters Shield with weeks to spare. But Pat Noonan's side will be judged on the play-off performances and they take on a wily Philadelphia team with vast playoff experience.
The home support could be crucial for Cincy this evening.
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we will be bringing you live coverage of the MLS Cup Playoff clash between FC Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you all the latest action from TQL Stadium.