Coming off an exhilarating 6-1 win over Inter Miami, Supporters Shield leaders FC Cincinnati (15-4-3) looks to earn its sixteenth win of the season on Saturday as the team takes on Charlotte FC (9-8-5) at TQL Stadium.
SERIES HISTORY
FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC have met a total of five times before this match, with Cincinnati leading the series with a (2-2-1) record.
These two sides met in North Carolina on March 30 this season, when the Orange and Blue earned a 1-1 draw in Charlotte through a stoppage-time equalizer from Aaron Boupendza.
CHARLOTTE FC
In only their second season of existence, the Crown have had a good year up to this point under first-year head coach Dean Smith. Currently, Charlotte FC sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 32 points.
The backline for Charlotte has been the difference from their inaugural season in 2023, where the club fell to the New York Red Bulls in the wild-card round 5-2 to end their season. The team has conceded the second-least amount of goals in the East. Center backs Andrew Privett and Adilson Malanda have been under-the-radar spectacular this season, with Privett starting all 22 matches this season, and playing every single second for The Crown.
Since the last time these two sides met, the club transferred former DP striker Enzo Copetti to Club Atletico Rosario Central in May. Soaking up minutes up top has been forward Patrick Agyemang, who has six goals and three assists so far this season. He has been crucial to Charlotte’s attack, who right now, lacks depth at the number nine position. But unfortanley for The Crown, Agyemang will miss the match Saturday due to red card suspension, after a 2-1 home loss to Miami back on July 3rd.
Whoever steps in for Agyemang will need to have a huge performance.
It is worth noting that Charlotte has scored the second-least amount of goals in MLS this season. But similar to FCC, they can grind out results at home and on the road, and that could certainly be the game plan come Saturday.
FC CINCINNATI
The feeling amongst FC Cincinnati players, coaches, staff, fanbase and everyone surrounding the club has been excitement since their 6-1 thumping win over Inter Miami at TQL, which put the Orange and Blue in first place in the Supporters Shield race.
The return of Miles Robinson to the backline was massive for the team, with Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund out for the season. The matches where Robinson is available are crucial for FCC. But unfortunately for Orange and Blue fans, Robinson will be gone representing the U.S. once again, this time in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. A huge honor for Robinson, who will once again be missed dearly by FC Cincinnati. Robinson will only be out for one match, an away fixture against New York Red Bulls.
While the backline may continue to be in rotation for Cincinnati, a part of the team that will most certainly not be rotating will be the midfield three of Obinna Nwobodo, Pavel Bucha and Lucho Acosta. Those three have been sensational seasons, especially the months of June and July.
Saturday is another great opportunity for the Orange and Blue to hopefully keep and extend their Supporters Shield lead. Head coach Pat Noonan and the squad certainly don’t want to waste the chance to do so against a gritty Charlotte team.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liel Abada – #11, Charlotte FC
The only DP on Charlotte’s roster right now, Abada ability to stretch opponent backlines has been key all season long, but he also can cut inside as a play-maker as well. With Agyemang out, Abada will need a big game for Charlotte.
Ashley Westwood – #8, Charlotte FC
Westwood captains the team for Dean Smith and Charlotte. His leadership will be key this weekend plus his ability to limit Acosta touches in around the penalty area could be big.
Lucho Acosta – #10, FC Cincinnati
The defending MLS MVP and 2024 MLS All-Star is an absolute magician. Acosta is now up to 10 goals and 17 assists on the year and shows no signs of slowing down. If Acosta can get his name on the boxscore, there’s a good chance FCC will come away with a positive result at home.
Pavel Bucha – #20, FC Cincinnati
Bucha has been an unsung hero for FCC this year, as the Czech box-to-box midfielder has been key in connecting passes but also helped Acosta control the game in the midfield for FCC. He can also get forward and score goals, which we’ve seen already this season.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
Watch the match this weekend on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kick-off set for 7:30 p.m. EST.