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FC Cincinnati vs New York Red Bulls II: 5 Things to Know

With a USOC match looming FC Cincinnati hits the road this week against one of the strongest offensive teams in the East. Can they remain on task and stop the Red Bulls offense?


Where: Harrison, NJ– Red Bull Arena
When: Saturday, June 2nd at 1:00 p.m. EST

2018 Form: FC Cincinnati – T-2nd Place (6W-3L-2D, 20 pts.), New York Red Bulls II – T-5th Place (4W-2L-5D, 17pts.)

YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE THIS WEEK – Ref Assignments:
REF: ISMIR PEKMIC, AR1: TOM FELICE, AR2: ZENO (GYU HO) CHO, 4TH: LUIS ARROYO



 

5 Things to Know

Running with the Bulls: This past Sunday the Red Bulls defeated a very good defensive team, Indy XI, 4-1. If there is a reason for the boys in blue and orange to refocus themselves it is because of this Saturday’s game. The “Baby Bulls” are mere babies in name. This New York version averages 3.4 goals per game (17 Goals in five games) at home, which ranks first in the USL. With New York’s potent offense, FCC’s backlines (plural there) need to remain focused or they will be surprised by any number of Red Bulls (10 different goal scorers led by Brian white with 5 goals).

Away Support: How amazing is it that FCC has started to establish supporter groups outside of their own region.  Many people belong to a local supporters group, Die Innenstadt/ The Pride/ Bailey Bastards, but let us give it up to an FCC Supporter Group formed in New York, Auxilia One (@AuxiliaOne). They plan on being at the game Saturday, so be sure to look out for our Auxilliary Supporters Group. HUGE SHOUT OUT

Rotation: We all know the Open Cup is coming this Wednesday against MLS side  Minnesota United. The question is how will our manager handle this stretch of schedule congestion.  The boys in Blue and Orange are in the middle of a stretch of six games in the span of 22 days after they play North Carolina FC away on June 9. I imagine Saturday will have some stalwarts in the 18 but on the bench for late entry if needed. Remember this team is deep and should be expected to perform Saturday no matter who is on the pitch.

One Up Top or Two?: Not only does Koch need to manage the player’s workload, he needs to decide on a tactical approach for this game.  A base for setting up tactics is the formation, so the personnel and formation may be an indicator of how we will play.  FCC has struggled offensively when playing in the 4-2-3-1 system, but they have struggled defensively in the 4-4-2. I imagine that either Danni Konig or Emery Welshman get the start but they do not seem comfortable as a lone striker. Emmanuel Ledesma is the ideal second striker but may be saved for the cup, so that leaves both Konig and Welshman, or do we try and mix in Tomi Ameobi or Jimmy McLaughlin in striker roles?

Remaining focused: This is difficult to address but the reality is FCC is going MLS in 2019. The remainder of the year will be an opportunity for players to make an impression. However, the fans still want that USL Cup, and walking away with that in our hands would be the sweetest exit from the league. Remember, the USL Cup is the goal right now.


Growler Cup – Round 12

Returning for 2018 is our Growler Cup! If you contribute $5/ month or more as a supporter of the site, you are entered into the Growler Cup prediction contest. Supporters of the show along with our hosts will predict the score and result for the upcoming week’s match. We have changed the rules for 2018. You get 3 pts for picking the correct result, 1 pt for correct FCC goals and 1pt for correct opponent goals. There will be many opportunities to win as well in 2018. Along with the overall champion (2017 – Chris Dimeo), fans can get on our show to chat with the staff or partake in a trivia contest by scoring the most amount of points in a given month. You will see the predictions of our staff below. Please consider supporting the site at CincinnatiSoccerTalk.com/Support.

Growler Cup - Round 12


Viewing

TV: This contest is set for a 1:00 p.m. EST kickoff on Saturday night. Broadcasting partner Sinclair Broadcasting Group will now air all FC Cincinnati home & away matches. The broadcast duo of Tom Gelehrter and Kevin McCloskey will provide the play-by-play and color analysis to FCC fans live on WSTR Star 64.  The match will also be broadcast at FC Cincinnati’s pub partners or by Streaming internet on ESPN+.

RADIO: NONE

Stay tuned to our Twitter handle – @CincySoccerTalk, for updated information.


@khoetker for @CincySoccerTalk

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