FC Cincinnati edge Galaxy, keep pace in playoff chase

FC Cincinnati's two early goals set the tone in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, allowing the visitors to keep pace in the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield races.

Cincinnati jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 22 minutes on goals from Ender Echenique and Brenner.

It was Brenner's first of two goals. His 88th-minute goal put FC Cincinnati (18-9-4, 58 points) ahead 3-1 and gave him his first career brace.

The Galaxy (4-17-9, 21 points), who played with 10 men after Isaiah Parente received his second yellow card in the 51st minute, cut the deficit to 3-2 in stoppage time with a goal from Mauricio Cuevas. That added to a goal from Joseph Pantsil in the 39th minute that gave the Galaxy momentum going into halftime.

The two early goals from Cincinnati proved to be the difference in an offensive-driven game. Both clubs were relentlessly attacking, putting stress on the respective goalkeepers. The clubs combined for 45 shots, including 18 on goal.

FC Cincinnati was starting backup goalkeeper Evan Louro, filling in for an injured Roman Celentano. Louro held off a fury of attempts from the Galaxy, making six saves on eight shots on goal.

Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Micovic had seven saves on 10 shots on goal.

With the win, Cincinnati remains just two points behind Philadelphia for first place in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield races.

This was Cincinnati's first trip to play the Galaxy. The club has won double-digit road matches for the second straight season.

Next Saturday, FC Cincinnati host Orlando City, while the Galaxy are home to Sporting Kansas City.