Denkey's Stoppage-Time Brace Salvages 3-3 Draw for FC Cincinnati Against Charlotte
Kévin Denkey scored twice in the second half, including an equalizer in second-half stoppage time, as FC Cincinnati twice came from behind to draw Charlotte FC 3-3 on Saturday at TQL Stadium.
Kévin Denkey scored twice in the second half, including a 91st-minute equalizer, as FC Cincinnati twice battled back to earn a 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC on Saturday night at TQL Stadium.
Cincinnati struck first when Pavel Bucha buried a one-time finish in the 2nd minute, the fastest goal for the club this season, with Tom Barlow credited for the assist. Charlotte responded almost immediately. Liel Abada chipped Roman Celentano in the 7th minute after a failed Cincinnati clearance, and Pep Biel put the visitors ahead in the 17th.
A shot by Andrei Chirila ricocheted off Denkey to level the score in the 51st minute, but Charlotte retook the lead four minutes later through Idan Toklomati. Denkey completed his brace in second-half stoppage time, finishing off a corner kick from substitute Bryan Ramirez for his team-leading fourth brace of the season.
Dominant but Denied
The point felt both earned and insufficient for the hosts. Cincinnati dominated possession at nearly 70 percent and outshot Charlotte 29-8, but could not find a winner despite the late heroics. The draw moved the Orange and Blue to 8-8-8 and 32 points, while Charlotte climbed to 11-7-7 and 40 points.
Denkey's brace continued his strong run of form in front of goal and kept Cincinnati unbeaten at home against a Charlotte side sitting above them in the Eastern Conference.
FC Cincinnati returns to action next Saturday at Houston Dynamo FC, with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
