Chicago United crushed Cincinnati II 7-2 in their MLS Next Pro Group Stage clash on 2 August 2026, extending their dominance at home and leaving the visitors reeling. The hosts dominated from the opening whistle, scoring six goals before the break and adding a seventh in stoppage time. Cincinnati II managed two late consolation goals but could never mount a serious response to a performance that was nothing short of clinical.
Chicago United's attack was relentless, with C. Niang opening the scoring in the ninth minute before J. Shokalook added a second four minutes later. P. Dithejane made it three in the 20th minute, and Shokalook doubled his tally in the 31st minute. V. Radojevic and N. Gray rounded off a stunning first-half display, with the latter arriving just before the interval in the 45th minute plus one.
The visitors finally got on the scoreboard in the 79th minute through D. Poreba, but Chicago United responded almost immediately. Shokalook completed his hat-trick in the 90th minute plus one, bringing his total to three goals in the match. The scoreline reflected a game where the hosts simply outclassed their opponents at every level.
Chicago United dominated possession at 64 per cent, throwing 127 attacks at the Cincinnati defence compared to the visitors' 80. They registered 12 shots on target with 67 per cent accuracy, while Cincinnati managed just four shots on target from 80 attacks. The statistical gulf was as wide as the result.
Both managers made changes in the second half, though the substitutions failed to alter the trajectory of the match. Chicago United replaced N. Gray in the 63rd minute and brought on S. Jimenez after 76 minutes, while Cincinnati shuffled their pack with early changes for Y. Ramos and P. Dithejane.
The victory keeps Chicago United fifth in the standings with 39 points from 26 games, maintaining their 13 wins and 13 defeats record. Cincinnati II remain eighth with 19 points from seven wins and 19 losses, a gap that continues to widen in the group stage standings.
