Evander's stoppage-time strike lifts Cincinnati past NYCFC

FC Cincinnati secured a 2-1 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday at home, with Evander da Silva Ferreira scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time to cap a strong performance by the hosts.

Kenji Mboma Dem opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Evander played a ball-ahead from near midfield to Kevin Denkey near the penalty spot. Defender Kevin O'Toole poked the ball away, but Mboma Dem converted with a sliding first-touch shot.

NYCFC equalized in the 21st minute when Luighi Hanri Sousa Santos tapped in a pass from Agustin Ojeda near the right sideline. The goal marked Luighi's second in as many MLS matches, following a goal in NYCFC's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

The match remained tied through much of the second half. Roman Celentano, Cincinnati's goalkeeper, made back-to-back stops just over a minute into the second half to preserve the 1-1 tie. He finished with seven saves. Matt Freese made four saves for NYCFC.

Evander broke the deadlock in the 91st minute when Gerardo Valenzuela tipped the ball back to him. Evander spun around and struck a left-footed shot past the diving Freese to secure the victory.

The goal was Evander's team-leading 12th of the season. The 28-year-old entered the match leading Major League Soccer in goal contributions with 22, assists with 11, and goals scored outside the box with six. He also scored in the 95th minute during a 4-4 draw between the teams on April 22.

Cincinnati improved to 8-6-6 with 30 points and extended their recent form to 4-1-1 in their last six MLS matches. NYCFC fell to 7-8-5 with 26 points and have now lost two consecutive matches.