Red Bulls concede 2 late goals, squander vital result in 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati

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amNewYork/Christian Arnold

HARRISON, N.J. — The New York Red Bulls conceded two goals in the final 10 minutes of play, including a stoppage-time winner by Obinna Nwobodo, to squander a one-goal advantage and drop all three points in a 2-1 loss to Major League Soccer’s top side, FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena.

“Today wasn’t good enough in the second half,” Red Bulls head coach Troy Lesesne, who was dealing with a shorthanded team riddled with injuries and absences in 90-degree heat at kick-off, said. “I thought we started out well again, but maybe a little bit of it was fatigue. We’re thin right now, I think we all understand that, but credit Cincinnati… they had to go for the game, they were down a goal and we didn’t adjust.”

Cincinnati star midfielder Luciano Acosta, who scored the equalizing penalty in the 80th minute, provided a looping ball from the left side of the box that was cleared by Matt Nocita making his MLS debut, but only to Nwobodo. While he didn’t get all that much of the half-volley, it managed to squeak through the clutches of keeper Carlos Coronel — who would likely have loved to have it back — at his right post.

“You try to do everything you can, especially as a center back, to prevent moments like that from even getting [there],” Nocita said. “From my perspective, I could’ve redirected that clearance a little bit more rather.”

Omir Fernandez’s first-half penalty for the hosts was canceled out by Acosta’s 11th goal of the season, moving the Cincinnati star out of a tie for third place on the MLS leading scorers list after being held in check for most of the night by a previously-resolute Red Bulls defense.

New York continues to be snakebitten by Cincinnati as it has recorded just one win in its last nine against the side from the Queen City. The result also keeps the…