With five wins in their last five matches, FC Cincinnati 2 (6-1-3) is having its best stretch in the club’s short history. The Orange and Blue on Sunday return home after a mini two-game road trip to Scudamore Stadium to take on an Inter Miami CF II (3-4-2) side who are winless in their last five games.
SERIES HISTORY
Inter Miami II leads the all-time series with a 4-1-1 record. The last time these clubs faced off was Sept. 10th, 2023, when Miami defeated Cincinnati 3-0 in Fort Lauderdale. FCC 2’s only win against Inter Miami II was earlier in that 2023 season with a 3-1 home victory on July 16th, 2023.
INTER MIAMI CF II
It’s been a rough stretch for Miami, going winless in its last 5 matches, and posting a (0-4-1) record in this current run, only picking up one point from a possible 15. The team currently sits in 11th place in the East with 11 points AND they are coming off a three-game homestand where they picked up zero wins.
Last season, this team not only finished last place in the Eastern Conference but was also bottom in the whole league. They went 5-17-6 and only won once on the road. The start of 2024 was initially very positive for Inter Miami II, going unbeaten in their first four games with three wins and one draw, but since then, it’s been a lot of bad results for this Miami squad.
On the positive side, 18-year-old forward Bryan Destin has been consistent for Inter Miami II, playing every game and leading the team in goals with three. Fellow striker Ryan Carmichael has started the last seven games for Miami and has registered two goals and three assists on the season.
A whopping 37 players have seen action for Miami this season, including a good chunk of first-team players.
Unfortunately for Inter Miami II, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba don’t plan on playing for the second team anytime soon.
FC CINCINNATI 2
Team morale continues to be high for the Orange and Blue after a 4-1 statement win over the New York Red Bulls II last week.
Stefan Chirila has been the biggest talking point for FCC 2 as of late, with the 17-year-old signing a homegrown contract with FC Cincinnati for the start of the 2025 season thanks to his performance this year. Chirila has four goals and two assists on the season and scored in his last three games.
A few other players who are also in great form are Amir Daley and Ben Stitz, who now each have three goals and four assists on the year. Midfielder Peter Mangione has been excellent for this team as well, recording two goals and assists. Stiven Jimenez and Nico Benalcazar have been rock solid in the midfield this stretch, along with the back three of Isiah Foster, Brian Schaefer, and London Aghedo.
Paul Walters returned to FC Cincinnati 2 last match in goal. The team has now fielded four different goalkeepers this season. That includes Alec Kann and Evan Louro, who are both first-team players. Bur, Hunter Morse has started the most games this year with six. As of right now, though, it seems like the job is Walters. After all, the club did recall him from his loan at Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship.
It’s safe to say head coach Tyrone Marshall’s message to his squad is probably something along the lines of ‘business as usual.’ The lineup has been consistent outside of a few spots, so the Orange and Blue will look to continue their club-record winning streak and get their seventh win of the season on Sunday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alejandro Flores De La Paz – #22, Inter Miami II
Flores has been the “x” factor for Miami at times this season, as the 18-year-old has two goals and two assists on the year and has been one of Miami’s consistent pieces in the midfield for the better part this season.
Ryan Carmichael – #9, Inter Miami II
One of the few players who’s been a consistent threat in the box for Inter Miami II. He can also create chances for his teammates as well. He’s going to need to be good on Sunday for Miami to come away with a result.
Stefan Chirila – #77, FC Cincinnati 2
Chirila has been in the headlines a lot recently, and it’s been deserving. He’s been in the best form of his young career and has scored in three straight matches. This season, when Chirila scores, FC Cincinnati 2 gets all three points.
London Aghedo #34, FC Cincinnati 2
Cincinnati’s backline has been solid especially as of late and Aghedo has quietly been one of the if not the best defenders on the backline for FCC 2 over the past couple of games. He’ll be important in helping shut down Inter Miami II’s young, explosive attack.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. You can stream the game on MLSNextPro.com.
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