FC Cincinnati not overlooking Leagues Cup as shown in win versus Monterrey
FC Cincinnati is not overlooking the Leagues Cup.
Despite being involved in a frenzied MLS Supporters’ Shield race, coach Pat Noonan said on July 30 that the team’s approach wouldn’t change much when they played in the MLS versus Liga MX tournament.
After all, there is still a trophy on the line.
FC Cincinnati treated the July 31st match against C.F. Monterrey with urgency, just as Noonan articulated, prevailing 3-2. They made slight tweaks, like a swap at starting goalkeeper with Evan Louro playing instead of Roman Celentano, but largely looked themselves against a quality Rayados side.
The Orange and Blue were the more productive team, attempting two more shots inside the box — eight to six — and winning 61% of duels, according to Sofascore.
FC Cincinnati took the lead in the 31st minute when midfielder Evander picked out the corner of the net while running across the box, but Monterrey midfielder Sergio Canales equalized before halftime.
Early in the second half, wing back Luca Orellano finished a well-placed through ball from Evander to score after a VAR check overruled an initial offside call.
Later, midfielder Pavel Bucha sealed the victory with a 90th-minute score moments before Monterrey forward Germán Berterame got one back.
Noonan requested progress before the match, and he got it.
"We scored three goals against a very, very strong team with one of the best players to ever play the game, one of the best defenders to ever play the game," Noonan said.
New Leagues Cup format is punishing
In the new format of the Leagues Cup, every point matters. Even winning might not be enough if it happens in penalty kicks instead of regulation, with just four of 18 MLS sides advancing to the knockout stages.
By securing their first victory, the Orange and Blue put themselves in a solid position as one of eight MLS teams to defeat their first Liga MX foe in regulation.
"If you miss a performance, and you don't have a strong night, that could be the difference of advancing or not," Noonan said. "I'm pleased with the position we're in after one game. And we have to go and play in a similar fashion if we want to see ourselves in the third game where we know what result we need to get to an answer."
The win was also the first time FC Cincinnati beat Rayados, as their only other two matchups culminated in the Orange and Blue’s 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup exit, 3-1 on aggregate. After losing to another Mexican team in the 2025 CCC against Tigres UNAL, they will likely be looking to avenge those losses next season.
But first, the Orange and Blue need to qualify.
While their position in the MLS table could secure that chance for them, or a deep playoff run, there’s no reason for them not to also pursue qualification via the Leagues Cup.
The CCC also offers a path to the FIFA Club World Cup.
"This club has the hunger to win titles," said Evander on the broadcast postgame. "That's what I want. We have a very good season right now. We have the chance to win the Supporters' Shield, MLS Cup (and) we came with everything to win this Leagues Cup, and we are going to go for it."
Advancing past the first phase of the Leagues Cup could also maintain momentum for FC Cincinnati, which returns to the Supporters’ Shield push on August 10 against Charlotte FC. Noonan said he saw progress by not having to defend the box frantically. He said the group will analyze how they gave up two goals, but he was pleased with the team's defensive performance.
The Orange and Blue will next play FC Juárez on August 3 before taking on Chivas Guadalajara on August 7.