Allan Cruz snapped FC Cincinnati's scoreless drought, substitute Fatai Alashe finished off a slick counterattack for a second, and 29-year-old interim boss Yoann Damet made more history by recording his first MLS coaching victory in Cincy's 2-1 triumph over the Montreal Impact on Saturday afternoon.
Spencer Richey snuffed out Anthony Jackon-Hamel's late breakaway to ensure FC Cincy wrapped up all three points at Nippert Stadium in their first match since the dismissal of coach Alan Koch, and snapped their winless stretch at seven matches.
Orji Okwonkwo pulled a goal back for the Impact 12 minutes after his entrance, and 15 minutes from full time. But Montreal fell to their fifth defeat of the season, four of which have come during an Eastern Conference-most 10 away matches.
Goals
Three Things
THE BIG PICTURE:
While the result was important, the aesthetics under Damet may be even more promising for Cincinnati fans wanting to see signs of life. The hosts completed 571 passes, more than 100 more than their opponents, with an 83-percent completion rate. For Montreal, it's an opportunity lost to move atop the Eastern Conference standings, but with so many home matches to come, not a particularly damaging one.
Up Next
- CIN: Sunday, May 19 at Orlando City SC (3 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- MTL: Saturday, May 18 vs. New England Revolution (1 pm ET | TVAS, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US)
