Cincinnati beat DC United with fewer of the ball and better chances

FC Cincinnati beat DC United 2-1 at TQL Stadium, with Teenage Hadebe's second-half goal settling a game the visitors controlled more of the ball in than usual.

DC United had 53% of the ball, well above the 36% they average in away games, and still went home beaten. Possession was not where this match was decided. The side that created the better chances was FC Cincinnati, and that is what the scoreline reflects.

Cincinnati opened the scoring through David Douděra in the 14th minute. Kimito Nono levelled for DC just before half-time, finishing a move that Peglow set up. Teenage Hadebe put the hosts back in front in the 55th minute, with Evander providing the assist. Neither side scored after that, and the second half belonged to whoever could keep their shape.

Expected goals, a rough measure of how good each chance was, shows the gap. Cincinnati finished on 1.79, close to the 1.74 they average at home, so their chances were of ordinary quality for them. DC managed 0.97, well short of the 1.7 they usually reach on the road. Both sides had ten shots from inside the box, so the difference lay in the quality of those chances rather than the number.

Cincinnati had 47% of the ball, below the 53% they average at home, and still generated the better chances. They scored 2 where they usually score 1.4, and they conceded just 1 where they normally concede 2.7 at home. Their defence did not give up the sort of chances it often does at TQL Stadium.

A. Bono was the busiest goalkeeper on the pitch, making four saves for DC, while R. Celentano made two for Cincinnati. Douděra's goal was the opener, and Nono's effort was the equaliser that kept DC within reach until the final half hour. Neither side lost a player to a red card, so both finished the game with eleven men on the pitch.

Cincinnati had won only one of their previous six matches, and DC had also won one of their last six. Both sides had lost three of those six. This is Cincinnati's second win in their last seven matches, and it came on a night when their opponents had more of the ball.

Player of the matchD. Douděra1 goal7.8

Evander1 assist7.7

K. Nono1 goal7.7

T. Hadebe1 goal7.5