FC Cincinnati has proven it can score goals in Red Bull Arena, and it has proven it can score goals against the New York Red Bulls. Aside from the two goals against Atlanta United this season, all of the club’s goals have been against the Red Bulls or in their stadium. FC Cincinnati defeated New York 2-0 in the MLS is Back Tournament and sent it home at the end of the group stage. No doubt the Red Bulls will be remembering that game when they face off at 7 p.m. Saturday, but FC Cincinnati finally ended its goalless streak last weekend and will be excited to add a few more to its tally when it returns to Red Bull Arena for back-to-back away matches there.
WHAT TO WATCH
The Red Bulls parted ways with coach Chris Armas two weeks ago. Since then, they fell 3-0 to a very strong Philadelphia Union but then defeated a struggling D.C. United 2-0. Has interim coach Bradley Carnell settled in, or was that just a new coach bounce? It’s not clear if New York has turned the corner and righted the ship yet. It is certainly vulnerable at this point with players unsure of expectations or their future under a new coach.
New York is a high press team. They play with young, fit players. Contrast that to FC Cincinnati with older veteran players and a lack of speed in many areas. Expect FC Cincinnati to employ its standard 5-3-2 formation with tw0 defensive mids sitting deep and absorbing the press. They’ll look to counter when they can and try to open up the game late in each half when the Red Bulls slow down.
The Red Bulls are still looking for Alejandro Romero to create more opportunities with only three assists so far this season. However, in their previous match, he got an assist off a well-placed free kick that found defender Aaron Long’s head and the back of the net. FC Cincinnati needs to watch Romero. Keeping his chances limited will limit New York’s attack. He is still a threat on set pieces, and with U.S. men’s national team member Aaron Long as a target, FC Cincinnati also needs to be careful giving away free kicks in dangerous locations.
STANDINGS
FC Cincinnati currently sits in the 13th position in the East with a -10 goal differential. FC Cincinnati is currently outside of playoff contention. The Red Bulls occupy the seventh position with a goal differential of -4.
FC Cincinnati: 2-6-3, 9 pts.
New York Red Bulls: 4-5-2, 14 pts.
PREVIOUS CONTESTS
The New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati have had four MLS matches in their history. FC Cincinnati got its first win against the Red Bulls at the MLS is Back tournament in their last match. Until then, New York has had its number and will be looking to prove that was an anomaly. The good news for fans who like goals is that FC Cincinnati has scored four of its seven goals against the Red Bulls this season.
Jul 22, 2-0 Cincinnati Win
March 1, 3-2 Red Bulls Win
May 25, 2019, 2-0 Red Bulls Win
April 27, 2019, 1-0 Red Bulls Win
AVAILABILITY
Saad Abdul-Salaam, Jimmy McLaughlin and Maikel van der Werff were not medically cleared to play against New York City FC last weekend.
Newest signings Álvaro Barreal and Kamohelo Mokotjo are still unavailable awaiting immigration.
Mathieu Deplagne earned his fifth yellow card in the match against NYCFC and will not be available due to yellow card accumulation suspension.
DIGGING DEEPER
For “in-the-know” information, listen to March to Matchday where Cincinnati Soccer Talk discusses upcoming matches with media sources from the opposition. This week’s podcast features once a Metro’s Daniel Feuerstein.
For tactical breakdowns and discussions, check out Talking Tactics with Coach Brad Gough. Listen to his analysis of the last match against New York City to hear what his thoughts were of the most recent performance of the Blue and Orange, or check out his take on the previous match between Cincinnati and the Red Bulls in either written or podcast format when they met in Orlando.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Game 12
7 p.m. Saturday, Red Bull Arena, New Jersey
TV: WSTR Star64
In-Region Video Stream: fccincinnati.com/stream
Out-of-Region Video Stream: ESPN+
Local Radio: WDJO (99.5 FM | 107.9 FM | 1480 AM)
Audio Stream: TuneIn App, fccincinnati.com
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