3 things we learned from NYCFC's fantastic road win over FC Cincinnati | OneFootball

New York City FC has been known to struggle on the road over the last few years.  Losses were common, and disappointing draws often occurred as well.  Wins were too rare.  But lately, is NYCFC starting to find success away from home?  It might appear that way since the Pigeons won on the road 1-0 against FC Cincinnati.

Now, the Bronx side has officially matched their away wins from last season, with four total.  However, the reason it feels like things might be changing is because the team has a 4-5-5 road record compared to last year’s 4-8-5 record.  Of course, with three road matches remaining, that record could end up the same.  But based on the fact that they have gone 3-1-1 in the last five road matches, it feels like things are changing for the better.

Moreover, NYCFC has finally won in Cincinnati for the first time since 2021.  For a couple of years, the Orange and Blue have had the team’s number.  Now, they swept the 2025 regular season series after winning the home fixture and beating the Ohio team on Saturday, thanks to great defensive work and a brilliant goal from Alonso Martínez.

Overall, this was a solid win for the Boys in Blue.  Here are three things we learned from the match between NYCFC and FC Cincinnati.

Alonso Martínez was the hero again

The game in Cincinnati was clearly a defensive match.  NYCFC had nine shots and Cincinnati had ten, but both teams worked diligently in the defense to keep each other from finding the back of the net.  Of course, there was one exception, and that was Martínez’s goal in the 55th minute.

It started with Aiden O’Neill’s pass to Maxi Moralez, who then found the Costa Rican making a run towards the goal.  Martínez powered through defenders quickly, causing Roman Celentano to come off his line.  With an open goal, the forward struck the ball around the goalkeeper to put NYCFC on the board and eventually score his eighth game-winning goal of the season.

Once again, Martínez was the hero for the Boys in Blue.  It was difficult for either team to break through each other’s defense, but he managed to do so.  And then, the defense did their job to ensure they walked away with all three points.

NYCFC might be on the right path

There was no question that there would be growing pains throughout part of the 2025 season.  With a new head coach, it was an acceptable thought.  Plus, many fans believed based on that fact and based on the players that NYCFC would not be a top team in MLS.  However, they were supposed to be able to compete and comfortably make the playoffs.

But the lack of consistency was something that plagued NYCFC.  Sometimes they would also win games that they were not expected to and lose those they should have won on paper.

Therefore, after the win in Cincinnati, it feels like the team might be on the right path.  As it is known, the Pigeons have won three of their last five road matches.  Then, the team has a 13-8-5 record, with a 5-1-1 record in the league games since July.  Hence, their recent success, despite some struggles in some of their wins, makes it easy to believe that NYCFC is heading in the right direction.

Concerns about Andrés Perea

While the win was great, there are concerns about Andrés Perea.  The midfielder was injured in the first half and had to come out of the game.  Luckily, Jonathan Shore stepped in and continued his solid rookie season.  But Perea appears to have injured his knee or around that area.

Therefore, fans will be holding their breath, hoping it is nothing serious.  But his reaction on the ground and when he had to come out spoke louder than any words would.

Truthfully, NYCFC would be okay without him.  Nevertheless, they are always better when Perea is available, either as a starter or off the bench.  He is a great player for the team and adds a lot when he is healthy.