CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati's Major League Soccer home opener did not disappoint the sold-out crowd at Nippert Stadium on Sunday.
The team clinched its first win in the MLS, triumphing over the Portland Timbers 3-0.
Defender Kendall Waston, acquired from Vancouver in Dec. 2018, sunk the first goal of the game in the 15th minute, prompting a roar of celebration from fans.
Our first @mls goal scored at Nippert Stadium!!#CINvPOR pic.twitter.com/8FZVRJbtyH
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) March 17, 2019
Two additional goals, scored in the second half, followed one right after the other, two minutes apart.
WHAT. A. BACKHEEL! #CINvPOR pic.twitter.com/tfsIGUkAqU
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) March 17, 2019
Midfielder Allan Cruz popped a goal past Timbers' goalkeeper Jeff Attinella with a quick back-heel touch, and Defender Mathieu Deplagne followed suit right after with a goal of his own, assisted by Darren Mattocks.
#FCCincy's Deplagne makes it 3-0!#CINvPOR | 3-0 pic.twitter.com/JiDbw0leIo
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) March 17, 2019
The Timbers struggled in the second half, even more so during stoppage time after their defender, Larrys Mabiala, was shown a second yellow card and pulled from the field. Mabiala earned two yellow cards during the game, both for unsporting behavior.
FC Cincinnati scored their first goal of the MLS season in Seattle, but ultimately lost to the Sounders 4-1. Their second game saw the team's first point earned in the MLS during a 1-1 tie against the reigning MLS champs, Atlanta United FC.
WATCH: FCC fans pack first game with enthusiasm:
