Noonan: Cincinnati's stoppage-time rescue could be 'deciding moment' in playoff push
CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan believes his side's dramatic last-gasp comeback at Houston Dynamo could prove to be the catalyst for a late-season playoff charge, calling the 2-2 draw a potential “deciding moment” in their pursuit of a postseason berth.
Cincinnati trailed 2-0 after 51 minutes at Shell Energy Stadium after goals from Guilherme and Mateusz Bogusz, the latter from the penalty spot. But Bryan Ramirez hauled his side back into the game in the 73rd minute, before Kevin Denkey converted a stoppage-time spot-kick in the seventh minute of added time to seal a share of the spoils.
'Not about being pretty now'
The result keeps Cincinnati ninth in the Eastern Conference, with New York City FC, D.C. United and Toronto FC all breathing down their necks. Ahead of Saturday's trip to Stade Saputo to face a struggling CF Montreal, Noonan insisted the resilience shown in Texas gives his squad something to build on.
“I think it could be a deciding moment in this stretch run,” Noonan said. “We have nine games left in the season, and every game is going to be so important to pick up points.
“And that's because of the position that we're in, where we're fighting for a playoff spot. This isn't about everything being pretty now, or style.
“We were able to get an important point, and so, for the psyche of the group and how to be on the road, like I said, against a strong opponent and push the game like that. How do we get more of that urgency, but not recklessness?”
Cincinnati boast an unbeaten record in their last four MLS meetings with Montreal, but they arrive without a win in five league matches (D3 L2) since a 2-1 triumph over NYCFC on August 19.
Montreal's misery deepens
Montreal, meanwhile, are enduring a season to forget. Rooted to the bottom of the East on 21 points from 26 games, Philippe Eullaffroy's side were beaten 2-0 by the Columbus Crew last time out. Only Sporting Kansas City (17) have lost more MLS matches this season than Montreal (15).
It has also been a disappointing start to Alexis Sanchez's Montreal career, with the Chilean yet to register a single goal contribution in seven appearances. His frustration was plain to see during the defeat to Columbus, and interim boss Eullaffroy acknowledged the veteran's concerns while insisting he remains committed.
“Alexis would like the team to play faster forward and use more space behind the defenders. I agree, and I ask for it, but it is not happening,” Eullaffroy conceded. “After the game, he was upset and tense about the development of the second half, as were several of his team-mates.”
Players to watch
Prince Owusu has been Montreal's brightest spark in an otherwise trying campaign, scoring 13 goals in 24 league appearances. He also has a strong record against Cincinnati, netting three goals in six MLS meetings — only D.C. United (four) have conceded more to him.
With Kevin Denkey unavailable after being called up by Togo for the international break, Cincinnati will lean on Evander in the final third. Only Inter Miami's Lionel Messi (33) has more goal involvements in MLS this season than Evander's 25 (13 goals, 12 assists).
Saturday's clash at Stade Saputo is finely poised, with Opta giving Cincinnati a 39.9% win probability, Montreal 36.6% and a draw 23.5%. Montreal have won just three home games all season — only Minnesota United (two) have fewer — and last triumphed in front of their own fans on May 9 against Orlando City.