CINCINNATI — Newcomer Kévin Denkey scored within the seventieth minute and Roman Celentano made three saves — all within the second half — to guide FC Cincinnati to a 1-0 victory over the defending Jap Convention-champion New York Purple Bulls in a season opener on Saturday night time.
Denkey used an help from DeAndre Yedlin to ship a header previous Purple Bulls’ goalkeeper Carlos Coronel.
Denkey was acquired within the offseason from Cercle Brugge of the Belgian Professional League for an MLS-record $16.2 million switch fee.
Neither staff had a shot on aim till Celentano had a save on a header by Purple Bulls newcomer Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting within the 66th minute.
Celentano had a save on a header by Alexander Hack two minutes later.
Celentano’s ultimate save got here within the 82nd assembly on a right-footed shot by Choupo-Moting from exterior the field.
Choupo-Moting performed the final 4 seasons for Bayern Munich within the Bundesliga.
Coronel had one save for the Purple Bulls, who entered play with a 4-0-1 all-time document in Cincinnati throughout the common season.
Cincinnati improves to 2-3-2 in season openers.
The membership is hoping Denkey and Evander Da Silva Ferreira, who scored 24 targets over the previous two seasons for the Portland Timbers, may help overcome the lack of former league MVP Luciano Acosta — now a member of FC Dallas.
The Purple Bulls advance to MLS Cup ultimate final season final season earlier than dropping to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The membership completed the common season with 47 factors — the fewest in league historical past for a staff enjoying for the title.
The Purple Bulls will play Nashville SC on Saturday of their dwelling opener.
Cincinnati travels to play the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
