FC Cincinnati continue to widen the gap between first and second in the Eastern Conference behind Luciano Acosta's recent performances.

Eight points clear at the summit of the East, FC Cincinnati continue to pick up wins and further solidify their 2023 playoff spot. Cincinnati are eight points ahead of second-placed Nashville SC with 39 points and are also eight points ahead of them in the race for the Supporter's Shield.

The Eastern Conference team have lost just once this season: April 15th at St. Louis City, 5-1. It's safe to say that the result against the expansion side was an outlier. Since losing that game, Cincinnati have gone on an 11 game unbeaten streak in all competitions with Acosta leading the way with seven goals and two assists in MLS this season.

"If you're just looking at production and the ways in which he's helping our team win games, I think it's fair to say it might be the best form that I've seen since we've been working together," head coach Pat Noonan said.

Noonan explained that Acosta's performance against Toronto FC was special as he was the main attacking threat for Cincinnati. With Sergio Santos not available and Brandon Vazquez and Dominique Badji not starting the game, Noonan trusted Acosta to deliver - and he did.

"If you look at the rotations that we've had and the fact that he's still out there today, it's part of him convincing me that he's okay, and I believe that," Noonan asserted. "But he's a competitor, and I think he recognizes how special this group is, and he wants to be out there leading the way."

"I couldn't be more pleased with his [Acosta's] leadership, his production, and he's a big part of why we're in this position."

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This article was originally published on 90min as FC Cincinnati continue to impress thanks to Lucho Acosta's stellar performances.