FC Cincinnati head north to face Toronto FC II today. TFC MLS has loaned 3 new players down to TFC II for the match: goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, midfielder Jay Chapman and forward Jordan Hamilton. They also recalled two previous loanees up to the MLS squad, D Eriq Zavaleta and GK Alex Bono, who has started in goal in their first 3 matches. Cincinnati native Nick Hagglund was not part of the changes so one would expect him to be in the TFC II squad today against FC Cincinnati. If you missed it, be sure to check out our full match preview which will get you read for today’s action.
Cincinnati Soccer Talk offers up our staff predictions for today’s contest.
Bryan Weigel
This could be one of the tougher matches for FC Cincinnati in the near future. Toronto will get their chances due to their attacking talent up front, so the back four for FCC better figure things out. TFC could see several loan downs including homegrown player Mo Babouli. Look for changes in the next several matches including on the bench as Harkes looks for late game playmakers. This will be a test and I foresee at 2-2 draw in Ontario.
Yosief Tzeghai
After a disappointing performance against Louisville, FC Cincinnati travels across the border to take on Toronto FC II. FC Cincinnati seemed to gain some momentum going into Louisville, but gave up three early goals that prevent what would have been their 3rd consecutive win. A young striker named Raheem Edwards will test the backline of FC Cincinnati. He has already tallied 3 goals on the season in three matches. Though Edwards will primarily be Pat McMahon’s man to cover, the entire backline will need to be on their toes. The front three for Toronto FC have proven to be fast and dangerous. The attack for FC Cincy had several chances last week. While it only amounted to two goals, if the offensive statistics in shots and corners remain close to last week’s, I think FC Cincinnati can come out with a win. I’ll take FC Cincinnati soccer ball kickers with a 2-1 victory over TFC II and Omar Mohomed scoring a goal as a substitute.
Michael Walker
Brad Weigel
What kind of team will we see this Sunday? Will it be the one that dominated the possession the first
three matches or will it be the team that’s midfield & defense was dissected by LCFC? I’m going with the former rather than the latter as I believe Coach Harkes will have this team focused and determined to tighten up a leaky defense. Do I think they will be better? Yes. Do I think they will keep a clean sheet? No. It looks like Harkes will continue to employ the 4-3-3 that gets the wingbacks forward and without the required position discipline leaves the open possibility of a TFC2 counter-attack by Raheem Edwards. When the schedule came out I chalked this up as an automatic win for the Orange & Blue. I have some doubts as TFC2 has been the early surprise of the season but predict a 3-1 FC Cincinnati win. I’d like to see Omar Mohamed get into the game earlier as he has shown a lot of promise getting the ball into dangerous places and get the first goal for a substitute.
Nick Seuberling
The backline is a concern after failing to keep a clean sheet through four matches. Today they finally do it. FC Cincinnati wins 1-0 on a Sean Okoli penalty kick!
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