Ilenic, Rodríguez lead NYCFC to victory over Cincinnati

NEW YORK (AP) — Teenager Mitja Ilenic scored his first career goal and Santiago Rodríguez scored on a penalty kick and added an assist, leading New York City to a 3-2 victory over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night.

Ilenic, a 19-year-old defender, scored his first career goal to give NYCFC (13-11-8) a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute. Ilenic was making his 29th start and 44th appearance dating to last season — his first. Maxi Moralez notched his fifth assist this season.

Alonso Martínez gave NYCFC a two-goal lead in the 65th minute when he took a pass from Rodríguez and scored for the 15th time in his first full season in the league. It was the 10th assist for Rodríguez.

Cincinnati (17-10-5) got on the scoreboard in the 69th minute on a penalty-kick goal by reigning MVP Luciano Acosta. The PK was awarded after a foul on NYCFC's Thiago Martins. It was the 13th goal of the season for Acosta, who also leads the league with 19 assists.

NYCFC answered with a PK goal by Rodríguez in the 75th minute to regain a two-goal lead. Rodríguez's 10th goal of the campaign came after Andrés Perea drew a foul on Cincinnati's Ian Murphy.

Corey Baird netted his third goal this season, scoring unassisted in the sixth minute of stoppage time to complete the scoring.

Matt Freese totaled three saves in goal for NYCFC.

Roman Celentano saved six shots for Cincinnati.

Cincinnati returns home to play Orlando City on Saturday. NYCFC will host Nashville SC on Sunday.

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AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer