FC Cincinnati beats Philadelphia to clinch MLS playoff berth
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
FC Cincinnati clinched a playoff berth with a 1‑0 win over the Philadelphia Union at TQL Stadium on Oct. 31. The victory secured the Orange and Blue’s fifth straight postseason appearance under coach Pat Noonan, improving their record to 12‑11‑10 for 46 points.
The only goal came in the 70th minute when substitute Ayoub Jabbari capitalized on a rebound near the right post after Andre Blake could not stop a shot from Evander. Jabbari, who entered the match six minutes earlier, tapped the ball past the keeper for his third MLS goal of the season. “Every time I can help the team, it’s good,” Jabbari said, noting the importance of the goal for the playoff run.
Goalkeeper Roman Celentano made six saves to preserve the shutout, his second clean sheet in three games. “We’ve been able to grind out wins at this point,” Celentano said, praising the defense’s improved mindset. Veteran defenders Nick Hagglund, Teenage Hadebe, and Kyle Smith contributed to a back line that has been consistent in recent weeks.
Philadelphia controlled possession and had more shots—10 in the first half and 15 overall—but Cincinnati’s defense and Celentano’s heroics kept the scoreline tight. The win also gives the Union a chance to move from 47 to 48 points if Cincinnati loses its upcoming game against Nashville SC on Nov. 7.
With the playoff spot secured, FC Cincinnati can focus on recovery after a grueling stretch of seven matches in 22 days. Coach Noonan emphasized the importance of rest and the team’s collective effort, noting that the victory will make the upcoming recovery period easier. The club will begin selling tickets for potential home playoff games on Nov. 2.
Source: FC Cincinnati beats Philadelphia to clinch MLS playoff berth
