Ayoub Jabbari’s 70th-minute goal lifts FC Cincinnati past Philadelphia Union

Jabbari decides a tight contest

FC Cincinnati beat Philadelphia Union 1-0 at TQL Stadium, with Ayoub Jabbari scoring the only goal in the 70th minute. The result answered the match’s central question: Cincinnati converted its decisive moment despite Philadelphia creating more attempts.

Jabbari’s normal goal made the score 1-0 after he replaced Tom Barlow in the 64th minute. Earlier, Evander had come on for Samuel Mawuena Gidi at half-time, while Philadelphia made two changes in the 60th minute. Cincinnati’s final substitution came before the goal, and Philadelphia later introduced Agustin Anello for Indiana Vassilev in the 74th minute.

Philadelphia finished with 15 shots to Cincinnati’s 7 and led 6-2 in shots on goal. The Union also won 12 corners to 3, but R. Celentano made 6 saves to preserve Cincinnati’s advantage. Possession was nearly even, with Cincinnati at 51% and Philadelphia at 49%. Neither team received a yellow or red card.

Cincinnati closes the points gap

Cincinnati moved from 43 to 46 points after 33 games and are provisionally seventh in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia remained on 47 points from 33 games and are provisionally sixth, leaving them 1 point ahead. Nashville SC lead the conference on 71 points.

Celentano was the standout performer, earning an 8.0 rating alongside his 6 saves. The result followed Cincinnati’s most recent listed pre-match results of Win, Win and Draw, while Philadelphia’s were Loss and Draw.