FC Cincinnati captures Supporters' Shield with win over Toronto FC

01/10/2023 17:11

The 2023 Supporters’ Shield race has officially come to an end.

FC Cincinnati lifted their first trophy in club history on Saturday after defeating Toronto FC 3-2 at BMO Field. Pat Noonan’s squad also clinched the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed in the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs with the result running the road through TQL Stadium.

FC Cincy have three matches left on their regular season schedule and are in contention to surpass the New England Revolution’s single-season points record (73). The Ohio-based club currently have 65 points in regular season play, registering 19 victories, four losses, and eight draws.

FC Cincinnati has been led by the stellar play of MVP-candidate and star attacker, Luciano Acosta. Acosta, a veteran midfielder, leads FC Cincy with 15 goals and 13 assists this season in MLS play.

Forwards Brandon Vazquez and Aaron Boupendza have combined for 13 goals and four assists as well in the attacking third. Wingback Alvaro Barreal has also enjoyed a strong season, scoring four goals and adding eight assists.

U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Roman Celentano has been impressive between the posts, registering 11 clean sheets in 31 appearances. He has a 1.13 goals against average (GAA) and 81 saves to date.

Defensively, FC Cincy have been led by veteran center backs Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund.

FC Cincinnati next hosts the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday.