March 18 – A dominant display at TQL Stadium has given FC Cincinnati a three-goal cushion as they head to Mexico to face Tigres in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 match.
Former MLS player and current head coach of Cincy, Pat Noonan has his club well and truly revved up as they came storming out of the gates putting the Mexicans immediately on the back foot.
Kévin Denkey opened the scoring in the 6th minute. Tom Barlow added a second on a lightning counterattack just after halt-time, while Denkey completed his brace and put the cherry on top of the cake with a well taken goal seven minutes from full-time.
Tigres have been a mixed bag this season and currently sit in 6th place in Liga MX, and head coach, Guido Pizarro is still trying to find the right chemistry in his squad. With a three-goal deficit to overturn it will take a herculean effort to derail the Americans who are making their debut in the tournament. Much will depend on the Argentine strike force of Angel Correa and Juan Brunetta who have scored the bulk of their goals this season.
The home side will be hoping for a hostile atmosphere at the Estadio Universitario and as always with any team facing a 3-0 deficit an early goal is a must if they are to breakdown a highly organized and disciplined FC Cincinnati team.
Last 16, First Leg: FC Cincinnati 3 Tigres UANL
Second leg: Tigres UANL v FC Cincinnati – Estadio Universitario, San Nicolas de los Garza, 9pm ET