FC Cincinnati vs Charlotte FC

September 12, 2026

By FC Cincinnati

September 12^th, 2026

Kévin Denkey’s second-half brace, including a late 90’+1 equalizing goal, earned FC Cincinnati a point in a 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC Saturday night at TQL Stadium.

David Douděra introduced himself to the fans at TQL Stadium before the match. Douděra joins the Orange and Blue on a contract through the 2027-28 Major League Soccer season with an option for the 2028-29 season.

The Orange and Blue moved to 8-8-8 (32 points) while Charlotte moved to 11-7-7 (40 points).

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 12: FC Cincinnati supporters tiff before a MLS match against Charlotte FC on September 12, 2026 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (FC Cincinnati)

Cincy struck first when Pavel Bucha scored the fastest goal for FC Cincinnati this season in the 2nd minute of action. FCC couldn’t get a clean shot off on a first look but capitalized on a second attacking chance. Ender Echenique played a ball into the right corner for Tom Barlow, who found Bucha cutting across the box to bury the one-time finish for the opening goal.

Charlotte responded with two early goals of their own and took a 2-1 lead into halftime.

An unlikely pitch invader stole the spotlight. Fans chanted "FC Squirrel" as he ran around the field for four minutes.

A shot by Andrei Chirila ricocheted off Kévin Denkey to even the score in the 51st minute. CLTFC pulled ahead a few minutes later to regain a one-goal lead with Idan Toklomati scoring in the 55th minute. Both teams whiffed trying to control a Miles Robinson header inside the box, but A. Chirila pounced on the loose ball. The defender ripped a shot through traffic that deflected off the back leg of Denkey, tying the match at two goals apiece.

Charlotte pulled ahead a few minutes later to regain a one-goal lead with Idan Toklomati scoring in the 55th minute.

Cincinnati rallied to tie it up in second half stoppage time when Denkey registered his second goal and team-leading fourth brace of the season off a corner kick from substitute Bryan Ramirez. Ramírez crossed it in from the right corner, and Denkey positioned himself well in front of his marker to equalize and secure the brace.