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2-3: Another crafted victory
Espanyol overtakes FC Cincinnati in a game that began in tow from the early goal
Espanyol had to sweat until the end to add victory in the second friendly USA. The Catalans pressed against a rival much more shot and in full competition to finish winning by 2-3. At the end the American tour closes with two victories and good feelings, although marked by the intense work done in these weeks of preparation.
Opposite, FC Cincinnati showed why it is the leading leader of the USL, the equivalent of a false Second Division. In the United States there are no promotions or declines between the MLS and the USL. However, the local team already knows that next season will be among the greats. An assessment, which combines sporting, economic and social repercussion criteria, has enabled him to secure that position. At the moment, they can stand with an artificial grass stadium (of poor quality) that is ultramodern in some areas and with a certain traditional flavor in others. They will no longer invest in the old Nippert Stadium but in another that they hope to release very soon.
Espanyol had to go in tow from what he had initially planned. A robbery of the ball near the front led to the first goal of Cicerone when it was hardly fulfilled the minute 4. From that moment, visiting monologue. Immediately, a kick from Puado that went out next post, another from Piati, high, and a shot from Álvaro that crashed into the body of the goalkeeper served to show the clear visitor domain. As in Richmond, it was necessary to put one more gear to cancel the disadvantage. And like in the local goal, Víctor Sánchez stole the ball near the area and he alone left the goalkeeper sitting with a feint and overcame him. A great goal The tie left everything as it was at the beginning, waiting for it to happen in the second half.
And the second part brought a start up and down with chances in both goals and a carousel of changes to oxygenate both teams. In the Espanyol you could see the evident fatigue accumulated during all these days of intense work in the American tour. But the fresh air, in attack, revitalized the team: between Baptistao and Sergio García they made the second blue and white goal. The Catalan took advantage of a rejection to overcome the local goal.
The party entered a phase of uncontrol and alternatives. Ledesma, just entered the field, tried a kick from outside the area that surpassed Edu Frias, recently entered instead of Diego Lopez. But the Blue and Whites kept getting closer to the local goal and Darder put the final 2-3 after an excellent pass from Sergio García.