Kevin Denkey adding to FC Cincinnati's options ahead of NYCFC tilt

Field Level Media|published: Tue 18th August, 19:52 2026

Aug 1, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; FC Cincinnati forward Kevin Denkey (9) dribbles against the San Jose Earthquakes in the first half at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

FC Cincinnati's opponents routinely focus their attack on stopping goal-scorers Evander and Kevin Denkey -- and for good reason.

In light of recent events, those same opponents also may need to cast a keen eye toward Pavel Bucha.

With three goals in his last four matches across all competitions, Bucha will look to continue his scoring touch on Wednesday when FC Cincinnati host New York City FC.

Bucha scored on Saturday as FC Cincinnati recorded a 1-1 draw versus Orlando City. That point allowed Cincinnati (7-6-6, 27 points) to move into sixth place in the congested Eastern Conference, just ahead of NYCFC (7-7-5, 26 points).

"It certainly gives opponents something to think about. Obviously, a lot of the attention is going to be on Evander, on Kevin Denkey, guys that have had a majority of the contributions, and we need to have more guys step up and contribute goals and assists," FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said of Bucha.

"That helps take a little bit of the stress and pressure off of Kevin and Evander at times, and Pavel's been consistent in his production in the last few months, leading up to the break, post break. So pleased with that output, and we know he can do it in multiple positions. He's shown that."

Speaking of Denkey, he scored twice in FC Cincinnati's 4-4 draw against New York City FC on April 22.

His 11 goals are even for the team lead with Evander, who scored in the 95th minute of the previous match versus NYCFC. Evander leads the league in assists with 11.

New York City's Nicolas Fernandez scored twice in that match versus FC Cincinnati and has 13 goals on the season, one shy of the MLS lead held by FC Dallas' Petar Musa.

New York City FC squandered a chance to record any points Sunday after letting a two-goal lead slip through their grasp in a 3-2 setback to the Philadelphia Union.

"I don't have an answer," NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen said. "Never expected what I saw in the second half.

"Sometimes you can drop a level; that can happen, but what happened in the second half is something to be ashamed of."

Benie Traore scored his first MLS goal and Luighi tallied in his league debut.

--Field Level Media

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