FC Cincinnati, in the midst of a Supporters Shielf race, is set to face FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Both sides have had vastly different seasons, but they both find themselves in an unsure spot. This match will clarify where both sides currently sit.
THE OPPOSITION
Dallas’ season has been fairly disappointing. They are one of four sides to have parted ways with their manager, with Atlanta, Nashville and San Jose also having already done so. Peter Luccin has since taken over, winning his first two matches. They were knocked back with a loss to Seattle in their previous match.
They sit at 11th, five points outside of a playoff spot. It is somewhat surprising seeing them in such a low spot, as they boast a decent roster for the West. They have players like Nkosi Tafari, Asier Illaramendi, Bernard Kamungo, Jesus Ferreira and new club-record signing Petar Musa.
Despite their lows, Luccin has already proved that he is capable of getting successful results with this roster. They are unbeaten in their last six matches at home and are the favorites in this match.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
The story of the Orange & Blue’s recent matches has been close wins and defensive instability. Both of these things have caused each other, as they’ve been forced — due to injuries and a call-up for Robinson — to play with only one of their starting center backs.
They won 4-2 in San Jose and had to play the last minutes without Miazga who went down with a season-ending injury. Their 4-3 win against Philadelphia had a rough backline that included Murphy, Hagglund and Keller.
In their previous match, they lost 1-2 to the New England Revolution. It was a match that included two teams who had been forced to rotate, questionable calls and quite a few cards shown. Obi Nwobodo was sent off and Hagglund had to come off with a months-long injury.
The expectation in this match — and for the rest of the summer — is to simply get points where possible. A win against Dallas would be a huge result for confidence and keeping them in the race for the Shield.
But Dallas won’t be an easy opponent. They are a high-scoring side in recent matches, with a very capable squad and are under an interim coach who has already gotten successful results.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Patrickson Delgado is a player to watch on Dallas’ side. In their previous match against the Sounders, he grabbed a goal and an assist. With three goals and two assists in 17 league matches, he has broken into their lineup and done fairly well.
Ian Murphy is Cincinnati’s player to watch. He’ll be required to lead the defense for the time being, given that he is the only starting center back still available. It will be a test for him.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Dallas has a mid-tier defense, and Cincinnati is, of course, injury-plagued in that part of the pitch. The attacking capabilities on each side, however, have proven themselves this year. So, you can expect a high-scoring match.
Cincinnati is looking to keep itself steady heading into the summer window, while Dallas is looking for the opportunity to build on Luccin’s early success.
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