FC Cincinnati came out on top with a 1–0 win on the road against Real Salt Lake, thanks to a brilliant strike from Luca Orellano in the 87th minute, climbing to first place in the Supporters’ Shield standings as the MLS regular season heads toward its final stretch. Pat Noonan’s squad now has 48 points and 15 wins through 24 matches — the best record in the league so far. And while a goal that late would be headline-worthy on its own, this result says even more about the team’s form. Cincinnati is proving their spot at the top is anything but a fluke.
Winning in the details, leading with grit
Real Salt Lake didn’t make it easy. They came into the game unbeaten in five and confident at home. But Cincinnati didn’t rush. They kept their shape, stayed compact, and leaned on keeper Roman Celentano, who matched his career high with seven saves.
The winning goal was more than just a highlight, it was a moment that captured the team’s mindset. Anunga, usually focused on breaking up plays, notched his first MLS assist by cutting through defenders and slipping the ball to Orellano. With a clean first touch and a left-footed rocket, the Argentine found the top corner with no chance for Rafael Cabral to react. That was Cincinnati’s seventh-latest game-winning goal in club history, and another example of how this team keeps its cool when it counts most.
Best road team this season and building momentum
This was Cincinnati’s eighth win away from home in 2025 — more than any other team in the league. Their road record now stands at 8–4–1, and that ability to pick up points outside their stadium is a major reason why they’re leading the race.
The win also pushed them a point ahead of both Philadelphia Union and Nashville SC in the Supporters’ Shield standings. Ten games remain, and nothing’s locked in yet. But while others slip up, Cincinnati is clicking at just the right time. They lead the league in wins and keep showing up in big moments. Under Noonan, they’ve also built a strong record against teams from the Western Conference: 15 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses.
They’ve now won four straight road games against Western opponents — a sign that this group has figured out how to adjust to different styles and situations. That matters when the schedule tightens and playoff pressure starts to hit.