FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC delivered a six-goal MLS thriller at TQL Stadium on Saturday, with Kévin Denkey’s 90+1′ equalizer rescuing a deserved 3-3 draw for the hosts.
Cincinnati came out flying and needed only two minutes to take the lead. Pavel Bucha struck in the 2nd minute, putting the home side ahead before Charlotte responded with a devastating early spell of their own.
Liel Abada brought Charlotte level in the 7th minute, and the visitors completed the turnaround when Pep Biel converted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute. Charlotte carried a 2-1 advantage into half-time despite spending long stretches without the ball.
The second half followed a similarly breathless pattern. Denkey restored parity for Cincinnati in the 51st minute, but Charlotte hit back four minutes later as Idan Toklomati headed home in the 55th minute to make it 3-2.
With 68.9 percent possession, 29 shots, 10 attempts on target and 12 corners, Cincinnati kept pressing for a way back. Charlotte, who managed just eight shots and four on target, defended their narrow lead deep into the closing stages.
But the breakthrough came in stoppage time. Denkey struck again in the 90+1′ minute, completing his brace and ensuring Cincinnati had a point to show for their territorial dominance. It was a dramatic finish to a match in which both sides showed attacking quality and, at times, defensive vulnerability.
The draw leaves FC Cincinnati with an 8-8-8 MLS record, while Charlotte move to 11-7-7. Cincinnati next host Houston Dynamo FC on September 19, while Charlotte return home to face D.C. United on the same day.
Goals
- FC Cincinnati: Pavel Bucha 2′, Kévin Denkey 51′, 90+1′
- Charlotte FC: Liel Abada 7′, Pep Biel 17′ pen, Idan Toklomati 55′
