FC Cincinnati’s run in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came to an end in the semifinal on Wednesday after an exciting 3-3 tie with Inter Miami CF and a 5-4 penalty kick shootout loss to Miami.
In the 18th minute, Luciano Acosta, who has now scored 14 goals in 31 games this season, gave FC Cincinnati the lead. Sergii Kryvtsov was being challenged in the air by Aaron Boupendza as the Miami defender attempted to clear an awkward position with a headed effort. Acosta swiftly pounced on the unsuccessful clearance and sent a shot off the near post and past Drake Callender.
In a flash of transition, Brandon Vazquez doubled Cincinnati’s advantage in the 53rd minute after breaking out of the Orange and Blue’s defensive third. When Vazquez was trailing the flow of play, Santiago Arias decided to play him in at the top of the box after cutting inside the right flank. Vazquez made a good collection and strike, finishing at the far post.
Leonardo Campana and Lionel Messi combined for two goals for Miami to level the game in the 68th and seventh minutes of stoppage time, respectively.
The visitors scored early in overtime, with Josef Martnez netting the game-winning goal in the 93rd minute. Cincinnati then came from behind, with Yuya Kubo scoring the club’s latest goal in the 114th minute.
Miami won the penalty shootout 5-4 to advance to the US Open Cup Final.
