Coming off two wins last week, FC Cincinnati returns to Nippert Stadium for the 4th match in a 5-match homestand to take on last place Toronto FC II. Here are 5 Things to Know going into Saturday afternoon’s match as well as the new March to Matchday Podcast.
Where: Cincinnati, OH – Nippert Stadium
When: Saturday, May 27th at 5:00 p.m. EST
Form: FC Cincinnati (3W-4L-3D, 12 pts.) 7th Place, Toronto FC II ( 1W-5L-4D, 7 pts.) 15th Place
YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE THIS WEEK – Ref Assignments:
REF: GUIDO GONZALES JR, AR1: Maggie Short, AR2: Jeffrey Swartzel, 4TH: Matthew Fotia
March to Matchday #11: Toronto FC II – Podcast
Join host Bryan Weigel for the newest addition to Cincinnati Soccer Talk lineup. March to Matchday will provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming opponent as well as how FC Cincinnati can best defeat them. This show will hopefully fit in your drive time to work, to the pub on game day or lead you right up to game time. We hope you enjoy March to Matchday #11!
Don’t forget you can now download and subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk on iTunes today! The podcast can also be found on Stitcher Smart Radio now. We’re also available in the Google Play Store.
5 Things to Know
Full Squad Available: In an interview with Enquirer reporter Pat Brennan, Head Coach Alan Koch hinted that FC Cincinnati could be at full strength for their upcoming matches. Koch told Brennan that left back Justin Hoyte is “good to go for this weekend.” Hoyte suffered an injury 12 minutes into his first appearance for FCC, but could debut in place of current starter Tyler Polak on Saturday. Injured midfielder Kenney Walker is also back in training and Koch said the Ohio native is “very, very close” to his return. These additions along with the signing of defender/midfielder Josu, could give Koch more flexibility with three matches in a span of 8 days.
Consistency vs. Win in the Cup: The flexibility described above put into question how Koch will utilize his roster for the next two matches. With last place Toronto FC II coming to Nippert, Koch may feel he has the ability to sit some normal starters for Wednesday’s Open Cup match and still be able to come away with three points. However, after the last match, Koch did remark about the potential to put together a consistent lineup to build toward the end of the season. Does Koch continue with his consistent approach and focus on the league match, or does he take a slight risk and play several backups who have impressed on the season? I would love to see Marco Dominguez get a shot this weekend along with Victor Mansaray, Mele Temguia and Crew SC loanee Cristian Martinez.
Aggressive: FC Cincinnati color analyst Kevin McCloskey joined CST for our live show and podcast this week. McCloskey remarked that one of the biggest changes he has noticed from the club over their past several matches is their aggressiveness going forward. You saw this with the play of the wingers (McLaughlin & Dacres) last weekend, but also with the central midfielders (Bone & Fordyce). I would say that the last match was one of Daryl Fordyce’s best matches and I hope he continues to get forward into the attack. FCC will need to counter fast vs. Toronto to exploit any vulnerability when the Young Reds press high up the field.
TwoRonto: Saturday marks the third straight USL match where FC Cincinnati will play at “MLS 2” squad. The Young Reds are winless in their last 9 matches after defeating Phoenix Rising FC on the road in week one. This squad is similar to Bethlehem Steel FC in that there is much roster turnover from week to week, but they are having a big issue scoring. They average 1.2 goals against per match but only have scored 3 on the season. Coach Jason Bent has given the professional debut to several academy players over the past several matches, so there is talent there, but how ready are they for a quality road test in Cincinnati. Toronto was only able to muster 3 shots & allowed 19during their match on Wednesday, so Coach Koch and his squad should be ready to put up some numbers at Nippert.
Painting up for Sports Games for Kids: It’s for the kids! The staff of CST have partnered with the Cincy Super Fan and Sports Games for Kids to do a fundraiser this weekend. The staff have pledged to paint up in body paint for this weekend’s match if we are able to hit several donation thresholds. Bryan Weigel & Yosief Tzeghai are already on the mark to paint up after listeners raised $500 & $700 respectively. The next threshold will be $1000 for Boston Brazzell to paint up, with Nick Seuberling joining the fun at $1500 and former FC Cincinnati defender Michael Millay at the $1750 mark. Go to www.paypal.me/SGFK to donate now!
Stay tuned to Cincinnati Soccer Talk for our Growler Cup Staff Predictions and more news and information leading up to the Bethlehem Steel FC match!
Supporter Groups Pregame Match Parties
We encourage all fans to get down to Clifton early and enjoy themselves at the areas many restaurants and pubs. Many Supporter Groups hang out in the “Short Vine” area where you can join in the march to Nippert Stadium. Some of these locations can be rowdier than others, but families and opposing fans are encouraged to come out and join the various groups. The Supporters March Should begin at approx. 4 p.m.
Die Innenstadt: Mecklenburg Gardens – 302 E University Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219
The Pride: Ladder 19 – 2701 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Queen City Firm: Mio’s Pizzeria Pub – 2634 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Queen City Mafia: Short Vine Bearcat Statue Lot – 2700 Block of Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
The Legion: Taste of Belgium Clifton – 2845 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
The Bailey Bastards: Hang Over Easy – 3 W Charlton St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
For more information and how to join the supporters march, check out our matchday guide!
Viewing
TV: This contest is set for a 5 p.m. EST kickoff on Saturday night. Broadcasting partner Sinclair Broadcasting Group will now air all FC Cincinnati home & away matches. Saturday’s match will be live on Star64 (WSTR). The match will also be broadcast at FC Cincinnati’s pub partners or by Streaming internet on USL’s Youtube station.
RADIO: You can listen LIVE on FC Cincinnati’s radio partner ESPN 1530 AM which will simulcast the TV broadcast team. Tom Gelehrter will return as the play-by-play announcer for the team’s home matches along with Kevin McCloskey providing color analysis and Lindsay Patterson reporting from the sideline.
@bryanweigel for @CincySoccerTalk
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