FC Cincinnati kicked off its return to MLS play on a high note, upsetting Western Conference standings leader Vancouver Whitecaps in a 4-3 victory on July 22. And while Evander, Pavel Bucha and Kévin Denkey all shined, a player who hasn't started in two months also made his mark.
Ender Echenique, the Orange and Blue's wing back from Venezuela, made his first start since an April 22 match against New York City FC. And while he played and started earlier games during the season on the right side of the field, he made his return to FCC's first XI on the left side.
That outside wing back setup proved to be worthwhile – right wing back Bucha scored a brace, nabbing FC Cincinnati's first and fourth goals of the game. On the left side, Ender made several
critical contributions as well – plays heavily defined by his speed on the ball, even if they didn't show up on the stat sheet.
Ender's most noteworthy play was in the 27th minute, when he dribbled past two defenders and made a cross to Kévin Denkey, who then tied the game at 2-2. But he also had several other moments where he turned defense into offense because of his ability to get to the ball and sprint into the attacking third.
"It's a skill that defines my game. We have a team that understands that, a coach that understands that," Ender said of his speed, via an interpreter. "So I know how to affect the game and play within the plan with that skill, we have players who can play great passes and we work during the week with a plan for the game and I was glad I was able to help with that."
FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan also was complimentary of Ender's speed, specifically his ability to attack in isolation and move inside to generate opportunities. In the 55th minute, Ender was the one to bring the ball up the field in a play that eventually led to Bucha's second goal of the night. Seven minutes later, he was subbed off for Bryan Ramirez.
Noonan also praised one of the Venezuelan's defensive plays in the second half, where Ender and teammate Kyle Smith sandwiched Vancouver's Brian White to prevent him from heading a ball into the net. And while Noonan thinks Ender's defensive movement has improved, he still thinks there's room for growth in terms of not getting too rushed – something the two discussed during the game.
"We rush a lot of moments where it's enticing," Noonan said. "But if we don't have the numbers and it's not the moment, how do we control the tempo a better way?"
Ender acknowledged that conversation with Noonan, emphasizing a need to play calmer. He wants to work on utilizing his speed at the right moment, specifically when he feels as if his opponents lost focus.
But Ender is used to adapting. After all, the second-year FC Cincinnati player says he's more comfortable playing on the right, but started playing left after Noonan asked him to get adjusted to that side more. And based on early results, that adjustment very well seems to be in progress.
"With our team there's a lot of rotations, there's a lot of games coming up...so you have to be ready for any position," Ender said.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The unsung hero who helped FC Cincinnati beat the Vancouver Whitecaps
