CLFC takes down top-seeded FCC2 to advance to Eastern Conference Semifinals.
What you missed: Crown Legacy FC comes from behind to defeat top-seeded FC Cincinnati 2 and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. CLFC put on a defensive show for much of the match with goalkeeper Chituru Odunze making multiple key saves to keep the match alive.
FCC2 broke through first in the 83rd minute, but the Club almost immediately responded with defender Willian Sangoquiza heading a cross in from substitute Filip Mirkovic. Forward Tyger Smalls sealed the Club's first win in the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs with a rifle to the back post in stoppage time.
Key Takeaways:
- CLFC wins its first playoff match in Club history
- Odunze kept Crown Legacy alive for much of the match, recording seven saves
- Sangoquiza and Smalls' goals were their third and second of the year respectively
- Crown Legacy will move onto the Eastern Conference Semifinals where they were eliminated in the postseason last year
What's Next: Crown Legacy FC will have to wait until Tuesday, October 22 at 3 p.m. ET during the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs Pick-Your-Opponent Show to find out who they will face in the next round. CLFC could face #2 seed Philadelphia Union II, #4 seed Chicago Fire II or #7 seed Columbus Crew 2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
For more information on MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, click here.
Match #: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Location: NKU Soccer Stadium
Date: October 20, 2024
Stats: click here
Box Score: Crown Legacy FC (11-10-7, 45 Points, 8th in East); FC Cincinnati 2 (16-8-4, 54 points, 1st in East)
Crown Legacy FC Starting XI:
Odunze (GK); Bravo, Neeley, Sangoquiza, Scardina; Pena (Mirkovic), John, Duke (Sing); Berchimas (Smalls), Toklomati (Nyandjo), Cambridge
FC Cincinnati 2 Starting XI:
Walters (GK); Aghedo, Schaefer, Gibert, Tablante, Ramos, Benalcazar, Daley, Mangione, Mboma Dem, Chirila
