Philadelphia Union delivered a ruthless second-half display to dismantle FC Cincinnati 5-0 at Subaru Park on Wednesday night, with Bruno Damiani’s hat trick the centerpiece of an emphatic MLS victory.
Cincinnati’s task became considerably harder in the 16th minute when midfielder Obinna Nwobodo was shown a red card. The visitors held out for much of the first half despite playing a man down, but Union finally broke through from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute. Quinn Sullivan converted confidently to give the home side a deserved lead.
Damiani then took over before the interval. The forward doubled Philadelphia’s advantage in first-half stoppage time, scoring at 45’+1′, and ensured the hosts carried a 2-0 advantage into the break.
The Union returned with no intention of easing off. Damiani struck again in the 49th minute to put Philadelphia firmly in command, completing his hat trick with a 61st-minute goal as Cincinnati’s depleted side struggled to contain the home attack.
Substitute Milan Iloski supplied the final flourish from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, sealing a five-goal win and a clean sheet for Philadelphia.
The numbers underlined the Union’s dominance. Philadelphia controlled 66.8 percent of possession, produced 20 shots and six on target, and won seven corners. Cincinnati managed just one shot, none of them on target, in a punishing night on the road.
Philadelphia Union next face San Diego FC on Sunday, while FC Cincinnati will look to respond against Charlotte FC on Saturday.
Goal scorers
- Philadelphia Union: Quinn Sullivan 43′ (penalty)
- Philadelphia Union: Bruno Damiani 45’+1′, 49′, 61′
- Philadelphia Union: Milan Iloski 89′ (penalty)
