FC Cincinnati is getting healthy and starting to play the way fans anticipated back in May. Every team goes through slumps, but the key is building confidence and playing out of them. The Orange and Blue look good heading into this Saturday’s match verses the Rochester Rhinos. Below are five things to know for Cincinnati’s first game against the Rhinos in 2017.
Where: Rochester, NY – Capelli Sport Stadium
When: Saturday, June 3rd at 6:05 p.m. EST
Form: FC Cincinnati (4W-4L-3D, 15 pts.) 4th Place, Rochester Rhinos ( 3W-1L-3D, 12 pts.) 9th Place
YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE THIS WEEK – Ref Assignments:
REF: REF: JORGE RAMIREZ, AR1: Gabriel Angelone, AR2: Ankur Singh, 4TH: Anthony Perdue
March to Matchday #12: Rochester Rhinos with Guest Brendan Doherty
Join host Bryan Weigel & guest Brendan Doherty (The Bent Musket, The USL Show, & ECC Pod) 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 #12!
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
Identify the Rhino: The Rochester Rhinos have historically been tough to score on. Defense was their brand and everyone knew it. That all changed this year, and it has thrown USL teams for a curve. The Rhinos were hammered by Charleston 5-0, then hammered the Independence 4-0. Rochester still likes to play a counter attack style, but they don’t always stack the box. FC Cincinnati will need to quickly identify the type of Rochester team they are playing and exploit it. Tampa Bay failed to do that last week and left with a loss.
Keep the Streak Alive: The Orange and Blue are in a groove and have confidence stored up. The guys need to feed off that confidence going into Saturday’s match. Beating Louisville was a tough task on Wednesday but also a great gauge at where this Cincinnati team is at. The players are getting healthy and understanding their roles better. Counting US Open Cup matches, Cincinnati has won four straight. If they can win on the road in Rochester, they will solidify their spot in the top five.
Experience: Due to scheduling and unforseen circumstances, Rochester has only played seven matches. FC Cincinnati has played eleven. Cincinnati has four more games under their belt and in that time has figured out some lineup issues. The Rhinos’ funky scores partially reflect the odd scheduling they have been forced to endure. The team also lacks the experience they would have gained if they were not last in the league in games played. FC Cincinnati should benefit on the team chemistry front.
Guard All Fronts: The Rhinos have eleven goals on the year from six different players. The 2017 FC Cincinnati team tends to strike from the #9 role. Rochester will strike from wherever the counter erupts from. The Cincinnati midfield will need to make accurate passes in this game because Rochester feeds off turnovers. Once the Rhinos have you on your heels, they move quickly, and they are not afraid to let a team own time of possession. The more time you possess the ball, the higher chance you make a fatal passing error.
Don’t Take the Bait: USL teams will continue the trend of baiting Cincinnati into silly fouls or disagreements. Louisville claimed foul several times on Wednesday night and Rochester might on Saturday. FC Cincy has done a good job as of late of cleaning up their bad name. I expect to see another well-played match devoid of extracurricular activities on the field.
Stay tuned to Cincinnati Soccer Talk for our Growler Cup Staff Predictions and more news and information leading up to the Rochester Rhino’s match!
Viewing Parties
The supporters groups will be taking up residence at their favorite away match viewing locations. See the list below for more information.
Die Innenstadt: Rhinehaus OTR – 19 E 12th St, Cincinnati 45202
The Pride: Ladder 19 – 2701 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Queen City Firm: J Taps Sports Bar & Grill – 6441 Glenway Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45211
The Bailey Bastards: Bucketheads – 6507 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45247
Viewing
TV: This contest is set for a 6:05 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.
@bostonkeith for @CincySoccerTalk
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