New York City FC vs FC Cincinnati: What Most People Get Wrong

Look, if you’re still thinking of Cincinnati as that "expansion team that keeps getting the Wooden Spoon," you’ve basically been asleep for three years. On the flip side, if you think NYCFC is just a team that plays on a baseball diamond with weird dimensions, well... okay, you're actually kind of right about that part. But the soccer? The soccer between these two has become some of the most tactically intense, "throw-the-remote-at-the-wall" kind of drama in Major League Soccer.

The New York City FC vs FC Cincinnati matchup isn't just another Eastern Conference game. It’s a clash of identities. It’s the "Pigeons" trying to suffocate you with 600 passes in a phone booth versus the "Orange and Blue" hitting you like a freight train on the break. Honestly, since 2023, this has quietly become one of the best rivalries for pure tactical nerds and casual fans alike.

The Pitch Size Conspiracy

You can't talk about New York City FC vs FC Cincinnati without mentioning the "postage stamp." When Cincy travels to New York, they usually end up at Citi Field or Yankee Stadium.

We’re talking about a pitch that is technically the minimum allowable size—roughly 110 yards by 70 yards. Compare that to TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, which feels like an ocean at 110 by 75. Those five yards of width sound like nothing, right? Wrong. In professional soccer, five yards is the difference between a winger having space to breathe and getting sandwiched by two defenders.

Cincy fans always complain about it. They say it’s not "real soccer." But NYCFC has mastered the art of the tight squeeze. They use those narrow dimensions to press high and trap teams. If you’re a Cincinnati midfielder like Evander, you have about half a second less to make a decision in Queens than you do in Ohio. It’s claustrophobic. It’s annoying. And for NYCFC, it’s a massive home-field advantage.

Why 2025 Changed Everything

Last season was a fever dream for this matchup. They played each other six times in 2024 across all competitions—Leagues Cup, Regular Season, and a brutal three-game playoff series. By the time the 2025 season rolled around, these guys basically knew what each other had for breakfast.

The August 23, 2025, match at TQL Stadium was a perfect example of why this fixture is so weird. Cincinnati was flying high, sitting second in the East. NYCFC was the underdog. Then, Alonso Martínez—the Costa Rican who has basically become the heir to David Villa’s throne—pokes a ball past Roman Celentano in the 55th minute. 1-0. Game over.

It was a classic "smash and grab." Cincy had more shots. They had the home crowd. They had the momentum. But NYCFC’s defensive shape, led by a returning Thiago Martins, was like a brick wall. That win didn't just give New York three points; it proved that Cincinnati’s high-octane offense could be neutralized if you just frustrate them enough.

The Strikers: Martínez vs Denkey

If you're watching the next New York City FC vs FC Cincinnati clash, you’ve gotta keep your eyes on the guys up top.

Alonso Martínez for NYCFC is currently on a tear. He recently passed Maxi Moralez to become the third-highest scorer in club history. He doesn’t need much. He’s a "one chance, one goal" kind of player.

Then you have Kévin Denkey for Cincinnati. The man is a physical specimen. He’s the type of striker who creates goals out of thin air by just bullying center-backs. Watching Thiago Martins try to wrestle Denkey for 90 minutes is worth the price of admission alone. It’s basically a heavyweight boxing match that happens to involve a ball.

What to Expect in 2026

We already have the dates circled. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Yankee Stadium. That’s the first big meeting of the new season.

There’s also a return leg in Cincinnati on August 19, 2026.

Here is the thing about the 2026 season: the World Cup break is going to mess with everyone’s rhythm. The league pauses in late May and doesn't kick back off until late July. This means the April match is a massive "momentum builder," while the August match is going to be played in that sweltering Ohio humidity where players' legs start to give out around the 70th minute.

Common Misconceptions

• "NYCFC is just a Man City satellite." While they share ownership, the "City way" has evolved into something specifically adapted for MLS. They play younger, faster, and much more direct than the Pep Guardiola version of soccer.
• "Cincinnati relies only on Lucho Acosta (or now Evander)." People used to say Cincy was a one-man show. Pat Noonan has fixed that. They have depth now. Their wing-backs, like Lukas Engel and Alvas Powell, are just as dangerous as their "number 10s."

Actionable Insights for Fans

If you’re planning on betting on this or just want to win an argument at the pub, keep these three things in mind:

1. Check the Venue: If it’s in New York, bet on a low-scoring, cagey affair. The small pitch naturally limits "big" plays.
2. The "Maxi" Factor: Watch if Maxi Moralez is starting. Even at his age, the game flows through him. When he sits, NYCFC loses their creative spark and becomes way too predictable.
3. The First 15 Minutes: Cincinnati loves to score early at home. If NYCFC survives the first 15 minutes at TQL Stadium without conceding, their chances of a draw or win go up by about 40% based on recent historical trends.

Make sure you’ve got your Apple TV Season Pass ready for that April 22nd kickoff. Whether it's the tight confines of the Bronx or the raucous atmosphere in the Queen City, this matchup rarely ends in a boring 0-0 draw. It's usually a chaotic, tactical chess match that leaves everyone exhausted.

Plan your travel for the August 19th away leg in Cincinnati early; TQL Stadium is a sellout machine, and the pre-game atmosphere in the Over-the-Rhine district is arguably the best in American soccer right now. Check the injury reports for Thiago Martins specifically, as NYCFC’s win percentage drops significantly when their captain isn't anchoring that backline.