Evander, Denkey score for FC Cincinnati in 2-2 draw at Charlotte FC

FC Cincinnati didn’t come from behind or get any stoppage-time magic May 9 at Charlotte FC. The Orange and Blue were in the rare position of squandering a lead in a 2-2 draw with Charlotte in Major League Soccer action at Bank of America Stadium. Cincinnati, tied for fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference entering the day, is now 4-4-4 for 16 points.

Charlotte remains a point behind them, 4-5-3 for 15 points. They remained winless all-time in Charlotte. Cincinnati led 2-0 at halftime, but for the first time this season lost a lead in the second half after Charlotte scored two goals in quick succession in the first seven minutes of the second half.

Cincy had made a habit of scoring late goals to earn a win or draw in recent weeks but couldn’t recreate that magic in the other Queen City. It’s a key point as the Orange and Blue head into a busy stretch with a midweek game against Lionel Messi and reigning MLS Cup champion Inter Miami, then a long road trip to San Diego. Cincy is now unbeaten in its last six with two wins and four draws.

“It was a strong performance, a little bit overshadowed by a poor 10 minutes to begin the second half, that is the difference in the result,” FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said. “But, on the road against a good Charlotte team, I thought there were a lot of good stretches, and ideas. The 10 minutes out of the break is a good lesson for how the momentum shifts, how we weren't clean on the ball.