FC Cincinnati awaits winner of Union-Revs playoff series

The Philadelphia Union will meet the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed, should they get past the New England Revolution on Wednesday night.

FC Cincinnati awaits the winner of the Union-Revs series in the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs after advancing to the semifinal round. Pat Noonan’s squad eliminated the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night, defeating them 8-7 in a 10-round penalty shootout at Red Bull Arena.

The two sides finished level at 1-1 after 90 minutes of play, which featured goals from New York’s Tom Barlow and FC Cincinnati’s Aaron Boupendza.

Serge Ngoma missed his spot kick attempt before Andres Reyes was denied by Roman Celentano to seal the victory for FC Cincinnati.

FC Cincy lifted their first trophy in club history earlier this year, winning the Supporters’ Shield. After back-to-back last place finishes in 2019 and 2021, FC Cincy finished fifth in the East in 2022 before topping the conference this season.

MVP finalist Lucho Acosta led the team with 17 goals and 14 assists during the regular season before registering one goal and two assists against the Red Bulls. Brandon Vazquez (eight goals, four assists), Alvaro Barreal (seven goals, nine assists), and Matt Miazga (29 combined league appearances) have also been key for FC Cincy in 2023.

The Union have won six of their 10 all-time meetings with FC Cincinnati, including a 1-0 playoff victory at Subaru Park in October 2022.