FC Cincinnati will look to end its three-game losing streak when it takes on Toronto FC, the current bottom dwellers of Major League Soccer. FCC comes into this matchup after a demoralizing last-second 1-0 loss to Inter Miami CF last weekend and holds a record of 3-8-10 and 17 total points. FCC has scored 21 goals on the season, which averages out to exactly one goal per game. The team has allowed 38 goals as well, which, is tied for last in the league.
FCC spent 90 minutes trying to break the backline of Inter Miami and wasn’t able to tally one goal. The team, as usual, was not playing up to its potential on the offensive side of the ball, or more worryingly, it was playing up to its potential. Attack for the Orange and Blue has looked disjointed. Lucho Acosta has continuously tried to dribble it on his own and that showed up on the scoreboard last Saturday. It is hard to point fingers and hit one thing. Could it be the continuous string of matches the team has played with no breaks for many in the starting eleven? The lack of early subs into matches? Players seemingly not being on the same page at times?
Brenner doesn’t get the service required to be an outstanding striker, but when he does get the ball, he also doesn’t do well enough to get into a great position to hit a good shot or give someone else a good opportunity to hit a shot. Alvaro Barreal has also started to look more mortal following his great start to the season, whether that’s his lack of rest or maybe teams figured him out. Those three are the most important players for FCC on the offensive side of the ball and them playing this bad is, obviously, not good for the team.
On the defensive side of the ball, well, they stopped Miami from doing much of importance for the first 89 minutes of the match. It ended up moot when Brek Shea scored the game-winning goal after Harris was caught out and Kenneth Vermeer dived early. Vermeer entered health and safety protocols Wednesday according to Laurel Pfahler and it isn’t known for sure if he will miss this weekend’s match but it is likely. Fans may their first view at Ben Lundt in the 18 as Stam would need to decide between him or Titi starting.
The Opposition
Toronto FC is currently 3-6-13 with a total of 15 points. Toronto has scored 26 goals on the season so far and allowed 47 of them. FCC played Toronto FC earlier this season and beat them by a score of 2-0. Will that continue and give FCC its first win at TQL Stadium?
Toronto FC’s leading scorer is Jonathon Osorio with four goals. Its second-leading scorer is Ayo Akinola with three and then the team has three players with two goals apiece – Jozy Altidore, Richie Laryea and Yeferson Soteldo.
WhoScored.com said Toronto FC’s strengths include finishing its scoring chances and coming back from losing positions.
The site said Toronto’s weaknesses include keeping possession of the ball, stopping opponents from creating chances, avoiding individual errors, defending against attacks down the wing and from skillful players and avoiding offside.
Toronto FC’s style of play is short passing, often attempting through balls, attacking down the left and playing non-aggressively.
Game 22
8 p.m. Saturday, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
TV: Star64
In-Market Video Stream: fccincinnati.com
Out-of-Market Video Stream: ESPN+
Local Radio: ESPN 1530
Audio Stream: iHeart Radio app
Support CST’s Written and Audio work here.
Become a Patron!
Recommended for you
