FC Cincinnati is set to face the New England Revolution tomorrow.
It is a league contest between two sides, who at one point last season, were fighting for the top of the Eastern Conference. Now, they’re both sitting below expectations, hoping to get a win.
For both clubs, it is the fourth match in the league and a short turnaround from their CONCACAF Champions Cup matches.
THE OPPOSITION
The Revs have had an eventful year so far.
In the first half of last season, they were excellent, fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Then, Bruce Arena (their head coach at the time) resigned for undisclosed reasons in July. For the remaining half of that season, they went through two interim coaches, with Richie Williams serving a month before being replaced by Clint Peay.
In the offseason, they hired Caleb Porter, who is a familiar name to our fanbase.
Under his tutelage, they can be described as inconsistent. They’ve gone winless (0-0-3) in MLS, but have been unbeaten in their CCC matches.
He has employed one of two formations there: 4-2-3-1 and 4-5-1. That is a product of his more methodical and tactical approach, and it is a contrast to Arena’s style. It hasn’t been all too helpful this season, either.
They’ll still continue to push, though. They’re aware that a win would be crucial and a loss would only add to their dismal start to the league season.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
The Orange & Blue have had a slow start. They’ve accumulated a 1-2-0 record in MLS and exited the CCC with a Round-of-16 loss to CF Monterrey.
They’ve had two main issues this season, the first of which being chemistry. As expected, the new additions have taken a while to be fully accustomed to, although each passing match has shown a growth in familiarity.
The second main issue is finishing. There have been a frustrating amount of missed chances in matches, and the club has been completely shut out in three of seven matches this season. They’ve had 48 shots on target and only 16 percent have been converted from open play.
Despite the issues, there are definite positives. Aside from these two, there is barely anything to complain about. The defense has been immense, the team has overall played well and we can expect the club to get better as the season progresses.
They are more than capable of getting a win.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Both sides aren’t at the level they were last season, but this match is an opportunity for either of them to get on the right track.
New England needs its first win in the league and Cincinnati needs to find chemistry and put chances away.
There will likely be rotation due to their midweek CCC ties, but still expect a tightly contested match. Both will be wanting a win, and in the case of New England, it is necessary.
When: Sunday, March 17, 2:00 p.m. ET
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+
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