A record-setting crowd of 32,287 packed into FC Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium to watch their club take on surging MLS side Chicago Fire in the Round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup. Perhaps there’s no greater barometer for the growth of the sport in America than the fact that this wasn’t just a quirky Wednesday night excursion to the stadium to watch Bastian Schweinsteiger for FCC faithful, this was a seething cauldron of tensions and daring expectancies.
Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium on the night. Photo: @fccincinnati | Twitter
To say 28-year-old FC Cincy goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt fed off the atmosphere and the bright lights of the ESPN cameras would be a gross understatement. The Michigan native devoured everything in front of him.
WATCH: Mitch Hildebrandt with a big save for FCC vs the Chicago Fire in the 63' #CINvCHI pic.twitter.com/nDMIdjsoDE
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) June 29, 2017
WATCH: Mitch Hildebrandt with a big save for FCC vs the Chicago Fire in the 104' #CINvCHI pic.twitter.com/FYmeamNx9O
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) June 29, 2017
Hildebrandt made 10 saves in 120 minutes of scoreless action, including four on Major League Soccer’s leading scorer, Nemanja Nikolic, and two on Schweinsteiger.
Respect. #USOC2017 #cf97 pic.twitter.com/wsGMUhBPk0
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) June 29, 2017
#USOC2017 pic.twitter.com/FMObXtstJI
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) June 29, 2017
In the shootout, Hildebrandt again frustrated Nikolic before also stopping Arturo Alvarez and Juninho.
WATCH: Mitch Hildebrandt 3 PK saves to help #FCCincy beat the Chicago Fire! #CINvCHI pic.twitter.com/31eHqZg5Qa
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) June 29, 2017
Nippert Stadium was the place to be.
Absolutely scenes. #RiseTogether pic.twitter.com/acnavoaPAd
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) June 29, 2017
Cincinnati claimed their second MLS scalp of the tournament to go along with their fourth round victory over the Chicago Fire. They’ve been rewarded with a quarterfinal matchup against the only other side remaining outside of MLS, Miami FC.
That match will take place on July 12 in Miami, Florida.
The18 Recommends For You
