Kevin Denkey's goal in debut sends FC Cincinnati past Red Bulls

Field Level Media|published: Sat 22nd February, 22:07 2025

Feb 22, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (13) heads the ball against FC Cincinnati midfielder Pavel Bucha (20) in the first half at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Kevin Denkey scored in the 70th minute of his MLS debut, lifting FC Cincinnati to a 1-0 victory over the visiting New York Red Bulls on Saturday night.

Denkey joined Cincinnati from the Belgian Pro League for a reported MLS-record $16.2 million transfer. He also scored during a 4-1 win over FC Motagua on Wednesday in a CONCACAF Champions Cup contest in Honduras.

After Cincinnati goalie Roman Celentano stopped Alexander Hack's header in the 68th minute, Cincinnati's DeAndre Yedlin gained possession near midfield and lifted a direct pass to Denkey. Denkey quickly eluded Hack and lifted a header into the net from the center of the box after New York goalie Carlos Coronel tried to play the ball.

Denkey nearly scored again on multiple occasions. Daniel Edelman blocked his shot in the 83rd, and in the final minutes of stoppage time, Denkey was unable to corral a centering feed.

Celentano made three saves for his 25th career MLS regular-season shutout. He made Denkey's impressive goal by stopping Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's right-footed shot in the 82nd, and he helped Cincinnati (1-0-0, 3 points) win a season opener for the second time in team history.

After making a surprising run to their second MLS cup appearance, the Red Bulls (0-1-0, 0 points) were unable to capitalize offensively and saw only three of their 15 shots go on target.

An evenly played opening half saw the Red Bulls produce several chances in the final 15 minutes but come away empty.

Following a Cincinnati giveaway, Choupo-Moting had a right-footed shot in the 36th blocked, and Emil Forsberg missed the net from close range on a header a minute later.

Cincinnati missed a golden opportunity at taking the lead in the 56th when Yedlin was alone along the left side of the net but could not corral the ball cleanly and hit the side of the net. Two minutes later, Evander made a spectacular move into the box by putting the ball through Edelman's legs before getting fouled, but his free kick sailed well over the net.

In the 61st, Lewis Morgan saw a shot go over the net, and five minutes later, Celentano made a diving save on Choupo-Moting's header.

--Field Level Media

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