It’s the final home game of the regular season for FC Cincinnati and Nippert Stadium is poised to have well over 20,000 in attendance tonight as Orlando City B comes to town. Yosief and Michael are neck and neck in the Growler Cup Standings with 2 games to play. Here’s how we think things go down tonight in the Queen City!
Brad Weigel
Do you like breaking records because I sure do? The light is shining once again on FC Cincinnati and boy do they have the chance to leave an indelible mark this weekend. Early numbers show there is an excellent shot to break the USL single game attendance record for the third time this season. Add to that the chance with a win to clinch a home playoff match if front of such a massive crowd would be enormous. I’m going to skip how I think these two teams will match up and just say the boys have to take care of business. A win would be huge not just for the night but to hope continue the momentum heading into the playoffs. Imagine if the 25k+ crowd left this match of a tremendous high and how that would transition into playoff ticket sales? Wednesday was an aberration and Coach Harkes will have his team ready. Let’s pack Nippert and be loud to lead the Orange & Blue to a 3-1 Win!!!!
Bill Wolf
Orlando is in a death spiral that somehow hasn’t yet knocked them out of the playoffs. They haven’t won a game since August 6 and that was against Toronto. They’ve given up 18 goals in the seven games since then. They’ve only scored THREE. Cincinnati disappointingly only grabbed a point in Pittsburgh mid-week but it was obvious Coach Harkes was resting players with about half of the regulars not in the starting 11. We only need 2 points to clinch a home game in the playoffs and this is our last home game in front of what looks to be a record breaking crowd. I expect the boys to come out looking to take all three points and give the home crowd a treat. My prediction is a 3-0 victory for the Orange and Blue.
Bryan Weigel
3 Points. That’s what I want. That’s what the fans want. That’s what FC Cincinnati needs to earn on Saturday night. Let’s be frank. Wednesday was an anomaly. The Orange & Blue had been held scoreless in only 3 USL matches prior to Pittsburgh (Charleston, NYRB2 & LouCity) and started several reserves in the Steel City. However, Orlando City B has a skill trait that has been a thorn in FC Cincinnati’s side all season. PACE. OCB displayed their quick attack in our first match against them, but FC Cincinnati was patient and broke down the susceptible Young Lions in Orlando. Look for OCB to come out wanting to score early as 3 points are crucial for them to keep hold of the 8th & final playoff spot in the USL Eastern Conference. FC Cincinnati should still have the talent advantage in this match up and I am feeling pretty excited for the final regular season home match. I am looking for a similar score line this time at home, with FC Cincinnati winning 3-0 in the friendly confines of Nippert. Time for a big crowd and to show the country again what support our club has.
Yosief Tzeghai
Short and sweet. Tonight is a 2-1 win to FC Cincinnati.
Michael Walker
I think a record crowd on hand at Nippert will push the boys on to a 2-0 victory and secure a home playoff game. So hopefully back to back record breaking home games are in store!!
Nick Seuberling
Orlando City has help previous attendance records in USL. FC Cincinnati has come in this season and obliterated them. Tonight’s no difference. Hopefully a new record crowd shows up for the home finale. I expect the team to play much much better after a disappointing draw on the road against lowly Pittsburgh midweek. Look for them to bounce back with a comfortable 2-0 win over Orlando.
Standings
TWITTER: Make sure to follow our @CincySoccerLive Twitter account for live twitter updates during the match.
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