Orange and Blue will look to extend their winning streak to four on Sunday as FC Cincinnati 2 (9-4-1) faces off against New England Revolution II (4-8-2) at Scudamore Stadium on the campus of Northern Kentucky University.
SERIES HISTORY
The all-time series between these two sides is even with a (2-1-2) record—two wins for FCC 2, two for The Revs and one draw.
Earlier this season, Cincinnati took down New England 2-1 on April 10. Amir Daley had a brace after an early striker from the Revs’ Marcos Dias in the third minute.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION II
With only 28 points in their first 14 matches this season, it hasn’t been quite the season Revs II have been hoping for after an incredible 2023 season, one in which the team finished second in the East with 56 points and a (14-6-8) record.
New England is coming off a 5-3 loss to Crown Legacy FC in an insane match. The Revs were down 5-0 at halftime and they then scored three unanswered goals via a brace from Alex Monis and a goal from Santiago Suarez. However, it wasn’t enough to make up for the disastrous first half.
Revs II also tied for the most goals allowed in the league with 32, with New York Red Bulls II the other team. The backline has been inconsistent this season in New England, with a lot of rotation in the center back positions.
It’s also worth noting the Revolution received the most red cards this season in MLS NEXT Pro too with four, and are fifth in the league in yellow cards with 38. Disciplinary issues have plagued this team in matches this season. That stat includes a red card from the last time New England and Cincinnati met after Hesron Barry head-butted Daley in the first half of that game.
FC CINCINNATI 2
Another win on Sunday for the Orange and Blue and a tie or loss for Philadelphia Union II would put FCC 2 in first place in the Eastern Conference.
There are multiple talking points about this team, having already broken their club record for the most points in the regular season just 14 games into the season and players like Gerardo Valenzuela and Stefan Chirila either receiving first-team contracts or already receiving some serious minutes from Pat Noonan in the case of Valenzuela. FCC 2 has been consistent and has shown the ability to win games in multiple ways.
Kenji Mboma Dem has added a new dynamic to the attack in recent matches, with his ability to score and create chances. Mboma Dem has three goals and two assists in his last three games for FCC 2. His free kick was the difference in the team’s 2-1 win over Huntsville and he’ll look to continue his good run of form on Sunday.
It’ll be interesting to see what head coach Tyrone Marshall decides to do up top along with Mbomda Dem. Peter Mangione started every game this season until the last match when he had to come on early in the first half for an injured Malik Pinto. Brazilian forward Guilherme Santos scored his first goal for the club’s last match with the start, and Ben Stitz has been mostly an impact sub off the bench this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marcos Dias – #39, New England Revolution II
Dias has been superb up top for the Revs this season and he leads the front line with five goals and five assists this year. Sunday will be his 50th start for New England, a team where he has scored 20 goals and nine assists in his three seasons. He’s the star man for this Revolution side.
Maciel – #13, New England Revolution II
He is the heartbeat of New England’s midfield. Maciel is a ball-winning defensive midfield who’s not afraid to get physical. Maciel also has first-team experience with 20 appearances in 2021, and 16 in 2022. He protects the backline for the Revs and is one of the more experienced players, even just at the age of 24.
Amir Daley – #42, FC Cincinnati 2
Daley had a brace the last time these two teams met and all-around had one of the best games of his young career. He can stretch the field better than almost anyone on FCC 2, with his speed and ability to get behind the defense key for Sunday.
Kenji Mboma Dem – #35, FC Cincinnati 2
FC Cincinnati 2 fans have to watch Mbomba Dem because of his current form. He is very technical with the ball at his feet and is comfortable moving out wide at times as well. Fans will want to see if he can keep this hot streak up and get on the box score once again.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
You can stream the match on MLSNEXTPro.com, kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m. EST.
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