What observers say
“Really pleased with the response from the group against a very good Tigres team,” stated FC Cincinnati’s head coach Pat Noonan following the match. This sentiment encapsulates the team’s performance as they faced off against Tigres UANL in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup series on March 12, 2026, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
FC Cincinnati delivered an impressive display, defeating Tigres UANL 3-0. Kévin Denkey was the star of the match, scoring two goals, while Tom Barlow contributed another, solidifying the team’s lead in this Round of 16 matchup. The victory marks a significant turnaround for FC Cincinnati, who had not scored in their previous two MLS matches, going 180 minutes without a goal before this game.
The match began with a pivotal moment in the seventh minute when a mistake by Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán allowed FC Cincinnati to take an early lead. This early goal was crucial, as Noonan noted, “The early goal was important just for the psyche of the team.” It set the tone for the rest of the match, allowing Cincinnati to play with confidence and control.
Tigres UANL struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game, managing only one shot on target out of 11 attempts. Their inability to capitalize on opportunities was evident, and they were unable to break through FC Cincinnati’s defense, which secured a clean sheet in the match.
With a 3-0 aggregate lead, FC Cincinnati now looks ahead to the second leg of the matchup, scheduled for March 19, 2026, in Monterrey, Mexico. Noonan acknowledged the challenge that awaits, stating, “We know how challenging it’s going to be in the second leg, of course, but a lot still to go in this home and away, and I’m pleased with the starting point.”
The aggregate winner of this matchup will advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament, adding to the stakes of the upcoming match. Tigres UANL will need to win by at least three goals in the second leg to have a chance at progressing, a daunting task given their performance in the first leg.
As FC Cincinnati prepares for the return leg, the team will aim to maintain their momentum and build on this significant victory. The outcome of the second leg will determine if they can continue their journey in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a tournament that has historically been challenging for them.