FC Berlin could not replicate the dominant performance displayed the night before and ultimately fell 9–4 to a strong Cincinnati Sirens FC side. With heavy travel legs clearly in play, Berlin nonetheless showed plenty of character early on, delivering a solid opening period and striking first through Guyana international Brianne Desa, who finished confidently to give the visitors an early advantage.

Cincinnati responded just before the first intermission, as McKayla Woods brought the Sirens level after collecting a well-weighted pass from Gabby Byorth and beating the usually dependable Hunter Jones. The late equalizer proved important in shifting the momentum heading into the second period.

Parity continued in the second frame, with the home side finding the net twice through Mackenzie Kent and Kelsey Keown, while FC Berlin stayed within striking distance thanks to a goal from Sam Murphy. Despite the even flow of play, the cumulative fatigue from travel began to show as the match progressed.

It was in the second half of the game that Cincinnati fully capitalized on that fatigue, opening up a three-goal cushion courtesy of Christy Zwolski and Caitie Byars. Trailing 5–2, FC Berlin made a determined final push to get back into the contest, but the comeback never materialized.

The Sirens sealed the result in the final period with four more goals, as Keown added another and Woods completed a hat trick. Ally Rowe provided a bright spot for Berlin with two well-taken goals of her own, but the final 9–4 scoreline reflected Cincinnati’s superior accuracy and forcefulness on the night.

FC Berlin now heads back home tired, but satisfied after a solid opening weekend. The squad will look to build on those performances at its home opener on Saturday, December 27th, against one of the league’s powerhouses, Detroit City FC.

Capping off an excellent weekend, Bryanna Caldwell delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday and was deservedly named Player of the Match.