Match Centre

FC Cincinnati's higher xG (1.96 vs 1.69) suggests they deserved more from this game, but New England Revolution's superior finishing proved decisive. Despite Cincinnati dominating possession (58%) and outshooting New England 21-10, their inefficiency inside the box was costly — only 9 of their 21 shots were on target, with 7 blocked and 7 off target. New England, by contrast, converted 3 of their 5 shots on target, with Dor Turgeman (21', 51') and Joshua Wynder (43') capitalizing on key moments.

Cincinnati's early lead through Tom Barlow (13') was quickly overturned as New England exploited defensive vulnerabilities, particularly through Peyton Miller's assists for Turgeman's brace. Tyrell Malacia was pivotal for Cincinnati, providing two assists (Barlow, Kevin Denkey's 67th-minute strike), but Cincinnati's inability to sustain pressure in the second half — despite 12 corners — allowed New England to hold on.

The defining stat? Cincinnati's 9 shots on goal yielded just 2 goals, while New England's 5 shots on target produced 3 — clinical efficiency trumped possession dominance.