What FC Cincinnati's hellacious win reveals about its future

Things haven't come easily for Cincinnati in 2024 despite its second-place standing in the Eastern Conference. It has drawn three and lost two of its opening MLS fixtures and was eliminated early from the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

So, what changed to power it to a 2-1 victory over its Ohio rivals, its first "Hell is Real" derby win? And can those changes keep Cincinnati in contention for league trophies?

Here are the big shifts in the derby that might just sway the season for FC Cincinnati, too.

Kevin Kelsy looks like a natural replacement for Brandon Vazquez

U.S. Men's National Team star Vazquez was one of Cincinnati's more productive attackers in 2023, registering eight goals and four assists during the regular season. 

When Cincinnati sold him to Monterrey during the winter and didn't immediately sign a replacement, many wondered who would replace his production.

Enter Kelsy.

The Venezuelan striker joined Cincinnati a few weeks ago on loan from Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk. He looks just like Vazquez — tall and imposing —and plays like him, too. He's great at drawing defenders away from his teammates and opening up space for them to play into. 

When Kelsy entered the "Hell is Real" derby in the second half, he immediately changed Cincinnati's picture. His presence freed Lucho Acosta from attack and created goals for The Orange and Blue.

Kelsy's performance was so strong that even Vazquez himself quickly praised it on social media.

Luca Orellano has that 'it' factor

Orellano probably isn't the first player you'd think of if asked to name a talented Argentine in MLS. (He probably isn't even the first Cincinnati player you'd think of — that would be Acosta.) 

But Orellano is quietly building a name for himself in the league all the same, and his creative performance on the Cincinnati flank was one of the highlights of the "Hell is Real" derby. 

Yuya Kubo remains a stellar utility player

Cincinnati faced a huge challenge early in the first half against Columbus. Its right back, Alvas Powell, went off injured, leaving a glaring hole in Cincinnati's defense. 

When coach Pat Noonan made a quick substitution to backfill Powell, he didn't sub for another defender. Instead, he chose attacking midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela.

Why? Yuya Kubo. 

The Cincinnati utility man was already on the field and ready to deputize for the departed Powell. 

Kubo started the Columbus match as a striker but fell back into defense as soon as Powell departed. Kubo's quick thinking allowed Columbus to get another attacker on the field instead of wasting a substitution window on a backup defender.

We've written at length about Kubo's singular flexibility, but it has never been more apparent — or more valuable — than against Columbus. 

There's no one else like Kubo in MLS. He can start the game at the top of an attacking pyramid and sink back to provide a defensive masterclass immediately. 

As Cincinnati's schedule picks up and injuries become more frequent, Kubo will be the team's secret weapon.

FC Cincinnati's season continues on Wednesday against Atlanta United.