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Hildebrandt's lightning-fast goalkeeping helps FC Cincinnati beat Chicago Fire 3-1 on penalty kicks

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The team's official Twitter account said it all.

FC Cincinnati beat incredible odds and a stalemate that lasted nearly two hours to score three penalty kicks against the Chicago Fire, earning a hard-fought victory over a member of the very league the Orange and Blue hope to join.

Goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt was a crucial ingredient in that victory -- he caught three penalty kicks aimed his way by Chicago Fire players and became the foundation of an enthusiastic dogpile when his teammates realized they'd won.

"For 120 minutes, everybody worked their butts off for each other," Hildebrandt said after the game. "I was just happy for the entire club."

The team will soon be on its way to Miami, where it will face off against The Miami FC in the quarter finals of the U.S. Open Cup.

PHOTOS: FC Cincinnati beats Chicago 3-1 in Open Cup

If a win like this isn't enough to convince MLS that FC Cincinnati belongs, we have to ask: What is?

We'll have expert analysis of the game and commentary from the team later tonight. For now, just bask in the light of sweet, sweet victory.