RECAP | FC Cincinnati’s run in U.S. Open Cup ends in penalty kick shootout defeat to Inter Miami CF

Following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter Miami CF, FC Cincinnati’s run in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came to an end in Wednesday’s semifinal following a 5-4 penalty kick shootout defeat to Miami.

The Orange and Blue will shift focus to Major League Soccer competition, which resumes at home Saturday against New York City FC. FC Cincinnati lead the Supporters’ Shield standings with 51 points, seven points ahead of St. Louis CITY SC.

Luciano Acosta opened the scoring for FC Cincinnati in the 18th minute for his 14th goal in 31 matches this season. Aaron Boupendza challenged Sergii Kryvtsov in the air as the Miami defender looked to clear an awkward situation with a headed effort, and the failed clearance was picked up by Acosta who quickly snapped a shot off the near post and past Drake Callender.

The strike was Acosta’s first-ever goal for the Orange and Blue in U.S. Open Cup competition.

Brandon Vazquez doubled Cincinnati’s lead in the 53rd minute in a moment of transition, breaking out from the Orange and Blue’s defensive third. Santiago Arias assisted on the goal, breaking down the right wing and electing to play Vazquez in at the top of the box as Vazquez trailed the run of play. Vazquez collected and struck well, finding the back of the net at the far post.

Vazquez scored his 12th goal in all competitions for FCC this season.

Miami came back to tie up the match with a pair of goals scored by Leonardo Campana assisted by Lionel Messi in the 68th minute and seven minutes into second-half stoppage time.

The visitors scored quick into extra time, with Josef Martínez scoring the go-ahead goal in the 93rd minute. Cincinnati then came from behind, with Yuya Kubo netting the latest goal in club history in the 114th minute.

After Bret Halsey sent a cross into the box, a failed clearance found the feet of Kubo just inside the box, who took a pair of touches before firing a right-footed shot past the diving Drake Callender who got a touch on the ball but was unable to save the attempt.

In the penalty kick shootout, Miami won 5-4 to advance to the U.S. Open Cup Final.

FC Cincinnati stay at home to host New York City FC on Saturday, August 26 at TQL Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the match will stream exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Fans can also listen to the match locally on Fox Sports 1360.