Denkey delivers heroics as FC Cincinnati earn dramatic win

Kévin Denkey scores game-winner in stoppage time to lift FC Cincinnati over CF Montréal

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:10pm

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FC Cincinnati's Kévin Denkey scored the game-winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to give his team a dramatic 4-3 victory over CF Montréal, despite being down to 10 men after a red card. The win comes just four days after a crushing defeat against Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and provides a much-needed confidence boost for Cincinnati heading into the international break.

Why it matters

This victory is crucial for FC Cincinnati, who were reeling after a tough loss and a blowout defeat in their previous matches. The dramatic comeback win in front of their home fans could provide a much-needed morale boost and momentum heading into the next phase of the season.

The details

Down 3-2 and a man down after Miles Robinson's red card in the 60th minute, FC Cincinnati rallied late with Kévin Denkey's game-winning goal in the 94th minute to secure a 4-3 victory over CF Montréal. Denkey, Cincinnati's club-record signing, has now scored 6 goals and 1 assist in all competitions this season.

  • FC Cincinnati lost to Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 just 4 days prior to this match.
  • Miles Robinson was sent off with a red card in the 60th minute, leaving FC Cincinnati down a man.
  • Kévin Denkey scored the game-winning goal in the 94th minute, the 5th minute of second-half stoppage time.

The players

Kévin Denkey

FC Cincinnati's club-record signing, who scored the game-winning goal in the 94th minute to give his team a dramatic 4-3 victory.

Miles Robinson

FC Cincinnati player who was sent off with a red card in the 60th minute, leaving his team down a man.

Pat Noonan

FC Cincinnati's head coach, who praised his team's fight and the importance of the win heading into the international break.

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What they’re saying

“That's kind of all we really needed. Sure, you'd like it to look different, but they fought, and that's all you can ask for.”

— Pat Noonan, Head Coach

“You go into the international break with some positive feelings and momentum.”

— Pat Noonan, Head Coach

“This isn't how we drew it up, but the players experiencing the positive feeling of winning a game in front of our home fans is important at this moment.”

— Pat Noonan, Head Coach

“It's not about how pretty it looks; sometimes you just need the feeling of a win.”

— Pat Noonan, Head Coach

“He's maturing quickly, and we're throwing a lot at him to improve all elements of his game. We know he can score goals, and we need to get him in those positions.”

— Pat Noonan, Head Coach

What’s next

FC Cincinnati will look to build on this dramatic win when they return from the international break, as they aim to continue their positive momentum and climb the MLS standings.

The takeaway

This victory showcases FC Cincinnati's resilience and ability to bounce back from tough losses, providing a much-needed confidence boost for the team as they head into the next phase of the season. The heroics of Kévin Denkey and the team's fighting spirit could be a turning point in their campaign.