FC Cincinnati says NYCFC fans used “abusive language” toward Cincy players

NEW YORK – During FC Cincinnati's game against New York City FC in New York, the game was stopped by officials after fans “made offensive comments toward one of our players,” according to FC Cincinnati.

The team issued a statement on social media saying “discrimination has no place in our game,” although the team did not say which player was targeted.

According to FC Cincinnati, the offensive language came from NYCFC fans.

“The club praises the quick actions of the players and officials on the field,” the team’s statement said. “Abuse has absolutely no place on or off the field, in our league or in our communities.”

Discrimination has no place in our game. pic.twitter.com/bdV1D5WefA

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) October 3, 2024

During the game, teenager Mitja Ilenic scored his first career goal and Santiago Rodríguez scored a penalty and added an assist, leading New York City to a 3-2 victory over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night.

Ilenic, a 19-year-old defenseman, scored his first career goal to give NYCFC (13-11-8) a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute. Ilenic made his 29th start and 44th appearance since last season – his first. Maxi Moralez scored his fifth assist of the season.

Alonso Martínez gave NYCFC a two-goal lead in the 65th minute when he picked up a pass from Rodríguez and scored for the 15th time in his first full season in the league. It was the 10th assist for Rodríguez.

Cincinnati (17-10-5) got a penalty goal from reigning MVP Luciano Acosta in the 69th minute. The PK was awarded after a foul on NYCFC's Thiago Martins. It was the 13th goal of the season for Acosta, who also leads the league with 19 assists.

NYCFC responded with a PK goal from Rodríguez in the 75th minute to regain a two-goal lead. Rodríguez's tenth goal of the season came after Andrés Perea caused a foul on Cincinnati's Ian Murphy.

Corey Baird scored his third goal of the season when he scored unassisted in the sixth minute of stoppage time to seal the tie.

Matt Freese saved a total of three goals for NYCFC.

Roman Celentano saved six shots for Cincinnati.

Cincinnati returns home to play Orlando City on Saturday. NYCFC hosts Nashville SC on Sunday.