Boupendza scores late to help Cincinnati earn 1-1 draw with Charlotte

Sat, Mar 30, 2024
Soccer News (AP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Aaron Boupendza scored in the second minute of stoppage time and FC Cincinnati rallied for a 1-1 draw with Charlotte FC on Saturday night.

Boupendza's second goal of the season came when he right footed a shot down the middle from the center of the box with an assist from DeAndre Yedlin. Charlotte's Kerwin Vargas drew a yellow card in the 90th minute for a foul on Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano, setting up a free kick in the defensive half.

Neither team scored until Djibril Diani netted the first goal of his career on a penalty kick in the 60th minute. Diani's PK came after he drew a foul on Cincinnati's Yuya Kubo in the penalty area. He drilled a left-footed shot to the center of the goal.

Roman Celentano finished with one save for Cincinnati (3-0-3). Kristijan Kahlina saved four shots for Charlotte (2-2-2). Kahlina had two saves and Celentano wasn't tested in a scoreless first half.

Charlotte's newest designated player Liel Abada, a 22-year-old Israeli international, made his debut when he subbed in for Nikola Petkovic in the 61st minute.

It was the third straight road match for Cincinnati, which is 2-0-1 away from home this season.