Preview

Two heavyweights clash again in Harrison

DeAndre Yedlin dribbles down field. Photo Courtesy Brian Mack
DeAndre Yedlin dribbles down field. Photo Courtesy Brian Mack

FC Cincinnati (15-6-3) looks to snap its two-game losing streak on Saturday, as the Orange and Blue travel to New Jersey to face off against Eastern Conference foe New York Red Bulls (9-4-11).

With all the history between these two sides, Saturday could be another intense match. 

SERIES HISTORY

The Red Bulls lead the all-time series with a (7-5-5) record. NYRB defeated FCC earlier this year 2-1 at TQL Stadium, with goals from former FCC player Frankie Amaya and DP forward Dante Vanzeir.

Cincinnati defeated New York in the 2023 and 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, ending The Red Bulls’ season in back-to-back years.

NEW YORK RED BULLS

The 2024 season has been rejuvenated for NYRB fans under first-year head coach Sandro Schwarz. Under his leadership, along with new DP Emil Forsberg, a healthy Lewis Morgan and a solid backline of Sean Nealis, Noah Eile, and goal-keeper Carlos Coronel.

New York currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points. They are the only team in MLS who is undefeated at home this season, with a (6-0-5) record at Red Bull Arena.

NYRB is coming off a 2-2 draw against CF Montreal on the road. They will be without their captain, Sean Nealis, because of a red card he picked up during the last match. Plus Forsberg is still out with a leg injury and John Tolkin is away at the Olympics. A lot of key players are missing, but the Red Bulls system has always been bigger than the sum of its parts.

It’s no secret that there is animosity when these two teams play. From fans to players, former and current. NYRB will want to keep their unbeaten streak at home alive and sweep the season series against FCC.

FC CINCINNATI 

The Orange and Blue have lost back-to-back games at home before Saturday. Losing to Charlotte 3-1, and coming off a 1-0 loss to Chicago, a game where Lucho Acosta didn’t feature, and defender Alvas Powell and head coach Pat Noonan both received red cards in the match.

It’s not been a good past couple of games for FCC. A big problem has been the three center-backs. No Matt Miazga or Nick Hagglund for the year, and Miles Robinson has gone for the Olympics. It’s been Ian Murphy and a bunch of rotation with DeAndre Yedlin dropping back, Alvas Powell and Kipp Keller. None of which have been consistent as a center-back.

Now that Powell will miss the game on Saturday, the options in the backline are slim.

Arguably an even bigger question coming into the match is the status of Acosta. He did not play against Chicago due to a foot injury, so his availability is crucial, whether it’s starting or off the bench. FC Cincinnati are 0-6-4 when Acosta does not play, It’s safe to say he is important.

Someone besides Lucho needs to step up in the attack against NYRB. Whether that’s Luca Orellano being pushed up positionally, Kevin Kelsy, Sergio Santos, Aaron Bounpendza or whoever gets the nod up top for the Orange and Blue. Those three in particular have been cold as of late.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lewis Morgan – #9, New York Red Bulls

With 10 goals and four assists on the year, Morgan is one of the most explosive and vertical wingers in the league. He can stretch the defense but also finish in and around the box. A big game is needed for the Scottish international.

Noah Eile – #3, New York Red Bulls

Eile has been one of the best signings this year for NYRB. With Sean Nealis out, he’ll have to lead the backline on Saturday and have a good performance if the Red Bulls want to earn all three points.

Yuya Kubo – #7, FC Cincinnati

History has seen Kubo step up when FCC needs someone to. He is now the all-team leader in appearances for Cincinnati. He can play almost anywhere on the pitch, whatever his role is against New York will need to be big to get a road result.

Kevin Kelsy – #9, FC Cincinnati

His last goal came against DC United three games ago, but Kelsy only has two goals in his last eight games. A big game from the Venezuelan could help not only FCC but his confidence as well.

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH

You can stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. EST.

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