CINCINNATI — Powered by first-half goals from Kekuta Manneh and Rashawn Dally, FC Cincinnati ended a six-match losing streak with an entertaining 3-2 win over Houston Dynamo on a steamy Saturday night at Nippert Stadium.
The win was the first for FC Cincinnati (4-13-2) since a May 11 victory at home against Montreal Impact.
The match started brightly for the hosts. Deploying a higher, more aggressive defensive press than earlier this season, Cincinnati were on the attack early and often. They were rewarded for their early efforts with a Manneh goal in the 29th minute. Just nine minutes later, it was Dally doubling the scoreline with his first MLS goal.
Though Houston started the second half putting FC Cincinnati under pressure, it was the Orange-and-Blue who would strike first in the second 45 minutes. Halftime substitute Victor Ulloa’s tame shot seemed easily saved, but Houston goalkeeper Joe Willis somehow saw the ball slip out of his gloves and into the goal to make it 3-0 for FC Cincinnati.
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The visitors didn’t lie down. A penalty in the 79th minute from Romell Quioto and an own goal from Nick Hagglund saw them reduce the deficit to a single goal. But the Cincinnati defense held tight in the end and edged out the victory.