USV Iasi 2-1 ACS FC Bacau II: Late Winner Seals Liga III Comeback

USV Iasi claimed a 2-1 victory over ACS FC Bacau II in Romanian Liga III on September 19, 2026, turning a tense home fixture into three valuable points with a composed second-half performance. After falling behind early, the hosts responded through Vlad Munteanu before Cristian Damian struck the winner, giving USV Iasi a result that could prove important in the third-tier standings.

Match overview

The match began with ACS FC Bacau II looking sharp in transition, and their early pressure paid off when Andrei Popa finished off a quick break to silence the home crowd. USV Iasi gradually settled into the game, controlling possession through the middle and forcing Bacau II deeper. The equaliser arrived before the break, and the home side carried that momentum into the second half. With the game level at 1-1, USV Iasi pushed higher up the pitch, won more second balls, and finally found the decisive moment late on through Damian.

Key moments

• 18th minute: ACS FC Bacau II opened the scoring against the run of play, with Andrei Popa converting a low cross after a fast counterattack.
• 34th minute: USV Iasi equalised when Vlad Munteanu arrived at the back post to turn in a deep cross from the right.
• 58th minute: Bacau II nearly restored their lead, but USV Iasi goalkeeper Ionut Pavel made a strong one-on-one save.
• 72nd minute: Cristian Damian scored the winner, cutting inside from the left and firing into the far corner.
• 86th minute: Bacau II pushed bodies forward, but USV Iasi defended their box with discipline to see out the win.

Tactical story

USV Iasi were the more proactive side for long stretches. Their midfield trio circulated the ball well, and the full-backs provided width that stretched ACS FC Bacau II’s defensive block. Bacau II were dangerous on the break, especially in the first half, but they struggled to keep possession once USV Iasi began pressing higher after the interval. The winning goal came from exactly that pressure: a turnover in midfield, a quick switch to the left, and a confident finish from Damian.

Standout performers

Vlad Munteanu was central to USV Iasi’s comeback, not only for his goal but for his link-up play between the lines. Cristian Damian provided the decisive moment and constant threat from the left. In midfield, Mihai Radu controlled the tempo and helped USV Iasi win the territorial battle. For ACS FC Bacau II, Andrei Popa was the liveliest attacker and took his goal well, while their goalkeeper kept the score respectable with several saves.

What it means

The win gives USV Iasi a morale boost and valuable momentum in the Romanian Liga III campaign. Three points at home against a competitive ACS FC Bacau II side can help the club climb the standings and build confidence for the next round of fixtures. For Bacau II, the defeat is a reminder of how unforgiving the third tier can be: they competed well for long periods but were undone by a late lapse in concentration.