Description
Match Date: June 28, 2017
Competition: U.S. Open Cup
Location: Nippert Stadium
Match Story:
Having already previously dispatched of bitter rivals Louisville and toppled in-state adversaries Columbus in the previous rounds, a nationally televised Round of 16 match at home against the Bastian Schweinsteiger-led Fire was already more than most Cincinnati supporters could ask for. But after 120 breathless minutes of scoreless soccer — thanks in-part to an errant offside flag nixing an extra-time Andrew Weideman volley — the upstarts from the Queen City and four-time champions from the Windy City would need penalties to decide a winner. And it was there that goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt put in a legendary performance, saving three Chicago penalties to help the Orange & Blue on their way to a historic run to the Open Cup semifinals.
Design Story:
The match is displayed over a bed of orange diamonds, inspired-in part by the Cincinnati region’s Germanic roots and the team’s typical away colors. The reverse features the waves of the Ohio River, mimicking the city’s iconic flag.
