For the second time in five days, FC Cincinnati finished with a 0-0 draw, this time against Chicago Fire FC at Nippert Stadium on Wednesday. While the Orange and Blue kept their fifth clean sheet in seven matches (tying the number from the 2019 season) they couldn’t finish their chances on offense. Coach Jaap Stam’s team was far more dangerous this time and looked likely to score through most of the 90 minutes. But not all draws are equal, and FCC will likely be disappointed it left two points behind.
Check out Cincinnati Soccer Talk’s post-match report here for more details.
Rules:
- Each player starts off with a 6 as the standard rating. Six signifies an “average performance” for the match.
- Players will receive additions and subtractions to their score based on individual moments and the overall team performance
- We’ll look at multiple criteria such as stats and the Audi Player Index (API) to assess a player’s rating.
- A player may receive an N/A if they are subbed in/off before any quantifiable statistics are available.
Now onto the ratings:
GK – Pryzemslaw Tyton: (6)
The man between the sticks didn’t have much to do for a change. Titi faced one shot on target and made the save. It didn’t look to trouble him too much either. His distribution was fine as well; he didn’t turn the ball over. All in all, an easy night for the Polish international.
RWB – Joseph-Claude Gyau: (5.5)
Gyau continues to be a menace on the right wing. In the first half, he was the most dangerous man on the field once again. But the cracks are starting to show. While he put himself in good situations in the first half, his end product is lacking. And he completely disappeared in the second half. Gyau has been a revelation in this new formation, but he has to put in a decent cross to be truly impactful.
RCB – Mathieu Deplagne: (7)
A lot has been said about the French defender, but Deplagne has played well the last two games. He had more touches than anyone else on the pitch with 78. It’s one thing to be involved, but he’s very productive as well. Deplagne completed 80% of his passes, four long balls, and he even created a chance on offense. Not to mention another decent showing on defense.
CB – Kendall Waston: (7.5) Man of the Match
There’s no ignoring the below-average passing percentage; Waston gave away more than a few possessions, but he is still my man of the match. Frankly, his defensive prowess makes up for the turnovers. The Cincinnati captain continues to perform well in this new formation: winning seven duels and four aerial duels with four interceptions and seven clearances. All Chicago could do was hit a long ball, but Waston was there to put them all away. And don’t fall asleep on Waston’s long balls; he completed five, tied for second on the team.
LCB – Maikal van der Werff: (7)
Van der Werff’s reintroduction into the starting lineup has been a big influence on the Cincinnati defense. His passing numbers weren’t that impressive, but his tenacity on defense is a breath of fresh air. He was constantly hounding Chicago attackers, pressuring anyone who got close. The Dutch international record three clearances, four interceptions and four recoveries. He’s telling Stam, loud and clear, who should be starting each and every week. If there’s any critique, it’s missing that headed chance in the second minute.
LWB – Greg Garza: (7)
A big question mark coming into this game was how Garza would perform. After being benched at half-time against Columbus Crew in the first group stage game of the MLS is Back Tournament, Andrew Gutman has been the starting left wing-back. But with a congested schedule, Garza got another chance. Luckily for FCC, he delivered. He completed 88% of his passes, half of which were in the opposition half. His long balls were pretty well struck, and he created a chance on offense. At the same time Garza was putting in a shift on defense with seven recoveries. Gutman has been a breakout star of the 2020 season, but Garza is giving Stam reasons to reconsider.
RCM – Frankie Amaya: (7)
Amaya had the kind of game we’re starting to expect from the young homegrown talent. Without the burden of the deep-lying holding midfield position (occupied tonight by Haris Medunjanin) Amaya was free to roam the pitch. He was incredibly accurate in his passing and created a chance on offense. What makes Amaya stand out, however, is his outstanding pressure in the midfield: four tackles and 11 recoveries. Most importantly, he avoided a yellow card and remains available for the Hell is Real Derby on Sunday
CM – Haris Medunjanin: (7.5)
Medunjanin showed what FCC has been missing on offense. You may not have noticed him while watching the game, but he created three of Cincinnati’s chances, and no one passed the ball more than Medunjanin. All in all, he completed 86% of his passes and 9 of his 13 long balls. He was pulling the strings for the Orange and Blue all night. His presence on set pieces, especially, was appreciated. The free kick delivery to van der Werff in the second minute should’ve been a goal. Medunjanin should expect to start again this weekend.
LCM – Siem de Jong: (6)
Siem de Jong was fine. There isn’t a better way to say it. He completed a lot of passes and made plenty of recoveries in midfield. He has certainly proved he can be a complete midfielder and play alongside Medunjanin. De Jong is more active than he looked capable of in his appearances in Orlando. But FCC needs him to start creating more on offense.
FW – Adrien Regattin: (6.5)
Regattin put in a shift. We ought to start calling him the Energizer Bunny. His signature work rate was on display once again. Whether it was checking into the midfield, getting the ball out wide, or finding the empty space to give his teammates options, Regattin was everywhere. Despite all of this, he only created one chance and managed only one shot on goal. He did everything FCC needed in a forward, but he couldn’t capitalize on his hard work.
FW – Jürgen Locadia: (5)
The $10 million question: How long until we should be worried about Locadia? Patience is a virtue when it comes to the Dutch designated player, but you have to admit his missed chances cost FCC the three points. Locadia’s first touch was often bad, and the opportunities he did get in front of goal ended with shots that were too easily saved. I’ll admit the last shot was a lucky save by the Chicago keeper, I’ll concede he likely lacks confidence and I agree he’s still finding form and fitness after a lot of missed time. But how long are we going to excuse his performances?
SUB – Allan Cruz (63rd Minute): (6)
It’s interesting to see how often Stam has played Cruz as a second striker. The decision could almost be considered Koch-esque. Cruz saw very little of the ball, and you have to wonder if that’s the best place for him. He may have been the leading goal scorer for FCC last year, but this was another forgettable appearance up top.
SUB – Yuya Kubo (63rd Minute): (6)
Kubo replaced Siem de Jong in the midfield, but it’s hard to tell if that’s his best position. Stam clearly rates him, but even he seems unsure where he’s best utilized. In the midfield, Kubo wasn’t able to create much on offense.
SUB – Andrew Gutman (76th Minute): (6)
Gutman came on for Greg Garza to provide some fresh legs. He didn’t change the game much in his limited time, completing all four of his passes and recording two recoveries.
SUB – Caleb Stanko (86th Minute): (N/A)
Stanko came in as a late sub for Haris Medunjanin.
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