FC Cincinnati 2 bounced back from an opening week defeat in dramatic fashion with a 2-1 win over Toronto FC II Sunday afternoon at NKU Soccer Stadium. The local's goalkeeper Roman Celetano secured the three points for the home side after saving a last-minute penalty by the visitors in the second half.
After a 4th-minute goal from forward Arquimides Ordonez, FCC2 opened the scoring as he dribbled around TFC II goalkeeper Luka Garvin to bury the chance. The team from Toronto would respond six minutes later courtesy of a looping header from defender Themi Antonoglou that tied the game at 1-1.
Tyrone Marshall's squad took the lead in the 73rd minute thanks to the pressure by Ordonez and forward Andrew Akindele. The two players combined on a dangerous play that would eventually lead to an own-goal by the visitor's Klaidi Cela. The visiting team pushed for the equalizer to send the game into a shootout, but the FC Cincinnati 2 defense held firm as the home side won its first game in its MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
After the game, Marshall was pleased with his team's performance and said: "Fantastic performance from the boys with our response from last week going to Philly and playing a very good team in Philly. Then coming back here at home especially being in front of the home fans and your family, you want to get out of the gate and get a good result, and I thought the boys responded well by getting a result at home and closing the gate at the end."
The Story: Arquimides Ordonez shines in 2-1 win
Yes, The 18-year-old Cincinnati native is on loan from MLS side FC Cincinnati after making four appearances for the club, with his debut coming against Nashville SC last season.
Ordonez began his career with Columbus Crew's youth academy in 2016 but signed a three-year homegrown player contract with FC Cincinnati in 2019.
The forward showcased his lightning-fast pace and goal-scoring talent this Sunday afternoon after scoring in the 4th minute and assisting the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute.
Now playing for FC Cincinnati 2, Ordonez looks to make the jump back to MLS after winning man of match honors in his second MLS NEXT Pro match.
