FC Cincinnati, NYCFC series to be decided by penalty kicks. FC Cincinnati out-shot NYCFC, 15-5. They might have deserved to advance in this series, and they still can, but their f

A scoreless deadlock in regulation gave way to a penalty kick shootout, and the sequence served as a worthy showcase for two U.S. men’s national team hopefuls in goal: Matt Freese of NYCFC and Cincinnati’s Roman Celentano.

Prior to the start of the playoffs, it seemed likely that FC Cincinnati's road through the postseason would go through Columbus. FCC won at the Crew's Lower.com Field in the spring, but two road wins against the defending MLS Cup champions in one season would have been asking a lot.