It’s derby time.
For the second time this season, FC Cincinnati 2 (11-4-2) travels up on I-71 to face rivals Columbus Crew 2 (6-5-6) on Sunday evening in the ‘Heck is Plausible” derby, looking for their 12th win of the season and a series sweep against The Black and Gold.
SERIES HISTORY
Columbus leads the all-time series with an impressive (5-1-1) record.
The Orange and Blue got their first win against Crew 2 earlier this year, in a 1-0 victory on Mother’s Day.
COLUMBUS CREW 2
The Black and Gold have had an up-and-down season, as the team sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 27 points. Columbus is coming off a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United 2 and is unbeaten in their last six games with four draws and two wins.
The last time Columbus faced Cincinnati, it was one of their most lackluster offensive performances of the season with only one shot on goal and they were shut out at home. However, that was the last time Crew 2 was held scoreless, as they have scored 18 goals in the past nine matches.
In form for Crew 2 right now up-top is former Duquesne Duke striker Jayden Da, who has four goals and two assists on the season. Along with forward Brent Adu-Gyamfi, who has five goals on the year, and has appeared in all 16 games for the Crew.
I would say the bottom line is that Sunday is a rivalry game, which means anything can happen and the Crew are certainly more than capable of coming away with a home win as history has shown in this series.
FC CINCINNATI 2
Coming off a gritty 2-1 road win against Toronto FC II, the Orange and Blue will look to beat Columbus for a second time this season. Plus, with Philadelphia Union II losing to NYCFC II on Friday 2-1, a win for FCC 2 will put them in a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference.
This week may see some rotation on the backline. Brian Schaefer will remain in the middle of the defense and could be playing next to Gael Gilbert and Juan Machado once again this time around.
Head coach Tyrone Marshall has plenty of options up top, with Stefan Chirila, Kenji Mboma Dem, Ben Stitz and Guilherme Santos. We will see who will play alongside Chirila and Mboma Dem up top, considering Stitz is coming off a goal last match, you’d imagine he will get rewarded with another start on Sunday.
One thing is for certain is that if goalkeeper Paul Walters plays like he did against Toronto FC II against Crew 2, the Orange and Blue have a very high chance of coming back home with all three points, and all the bragging rights.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jayden Da – #9, Columbus Crew 2
Da has an extremely similar profile to Columbus’ Jacen Russell-Rowe. Fast, elusive, makes runs off the ball, and has a knack for scoring goals. His first professional season has been good for the Crew, so he’s one to highlight for Sunday’s contest.
Coile Mrowka – #29, Columbus Crew 2
Mrowka has had some appearances on the first-team bench as of late, but he plays a critical part in Crew 2’s midfield shape and ball progression in the midfield. They are a completely different team with him on the field, definitely one of the key midfielders to watch.
Nico Benalcazar – #41, FC Cincinnati 2
His importance has been shown over the past few games, Benalcazr has been consistent all season long for the Orange and Blue, and his job of winning the midfield battle will be crucial against Columbus.
Paul Walters – #25, FC Cincinnati 2
The homegrown product was sensational last game and was one of the biggest reasons FCC 2 won the game in Toronto, Walters has shown he can be a difference matter on the field for Cincinnati, he may have to do it again this weekend.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m. EST, you can stream the match via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
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