FC Cincinnati midfielder Allan Cruz (15) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Portland Timbers, Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
CINCINNATI (AP) - Allan Cruz and Mathieu Deplagne scored two minutes apart in the second half and expansion FC Cincinnati won for the first time in MLS, topping the 10-man Portland Timbers 3-0 on Sunday in its home debut.
Kendall Waston scored FC Cincy's first home goal in the MLS in the 15th minute by heading home Leonardo Bertone's free kick in front of a sold-out crowd of 32,250 at Nippert Stadium, including MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Cruz scored on a back-heel shot in the 61st, settling a deflected shot and rolling it inside the far post. Two minutes later, Deplagne finished off a busy sequence in the box with a redirection.
MLS expansion teams are 9-6-2 in their opening home matches.
FC Cincy goalkeeper Spencer Richey denied a point-blank shot by Dairon Asprilla at the back post on a corner kick. Portland defender Larrys Mabiala received yellow cards in first-half stoppage time and the 70th for the Timbers (0-2-1).
Cincinnati striker Fanendo Adi, who spent four-plus years in a star role with Portland before being traded in July, shared greetings with his old teammates in the lineup line before the game.
FC Cincy (1-1-1) got its first point last week, rallying for a 1-1 draw against defending MLS Cup champion Atlanta United.
FC Cincinnati forward Kekuta Manneh (31) is fouled by Portland Timbers defender Larrys Mabiala, top, in the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
FC Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund (14) heads the ball against Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco (10) in the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers midfielder Cristhian Paredes, left, heads the ball next to FC Cincinnati forward Kekuta Manneh (31) during the first half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella (1) makes a save in the second half of an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati, Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella (1) misses a goal kicked by FC Cincinnati midfielder Allan Cruz (15) in the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers forward Dairon Asprilla, front, runs the ball past FC Cincinnati midfielder Victor Ulloa during the first half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers midfielder Cristhian Paredes (22) passes the ball past FC Cincinnati forward Roland Lamah (7) and forward Fanendo Adi (9) in the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers forward Dairon Asprilla (27) and FC Cincinnati defender Mathieu Deplagne (17) vie for the ball in the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press