FC Cincinnati is flying high atop the Eastern Conference table thanks in part to the unlikely statistic of numerous narrow-margin victories, 1-0 victories specifically.
Their latest – and sixth out of 12 this season – came this weekend against bottom-of-the-barrel Chicago Fire in front of a 25,000 strong home crowd at TQL Stadium. In this match, Luciano 'Lucho' Acosta, the versatile attacking mid, put in a commanding performance earning a Player of the Match distinction thanks to his 83rd minute goal.
The goal, a well-placed right-footed shot from the center of the box, came after Acosta settled a long cross from Santiago Arias to beat Fire keeper Spencer Richey.
"If you're just looking at production and the ways in which he's helping our team win games, I think it's fair to say it might be the best form that I've seen since we've been working together," said FC Cincinnati gaffer Pat Noonan after the match.
"If you look at the rotations that we've had and the fact that he's still out there today, it's part of him convincing me that he's okay, and I believe that," said Noonan. "But he's a competitor, and I think he recognizes how special this group is, and he wants to be out there leading the way."
Noonan's trust is well-placed, seeing how Acosta has racked up seven goals and three assists thus far this season, fulfilling his role as the team's no. 10 and showing incredible – selfless even – flexibility on the pitch that sees him pressing and working in defensive/offensive transitions.
"I couldn't be more pleased with his leadership, his production, and he's a big part of why we're in this position," said Noonan.
Cincy's looking at US Open Cup quarterfinals this coming week against an emboldened USL side, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, before going on the road for the weekend against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
This article was originally published on 90min as Lucho Acosta fires FC Cincinnati to the top of the Eastern Conference.
