On Thursday, FC Cincinnati will play Querétaro F.C.
in its first match of the Leagues Cup. International soccer will once again be coming to TQL Stadium.
THE OPPOSITION
Querétaro has historically not been successful in Mexican soccer. They’ve only won the Mexican Super Cup and the Copa MX Apertura, and that was in the span of a year. They have yet to win the Apertura or Clausura in Liga MX.
They are led by Mauro Gerk. He is a 47-year-old manager in his first official gig, after being an assistant at Tijuana and the reserve head coach of Racing Club and Defensa Y Justicia in Argentina.
Their league campaign has been dismal; losing in their four matches in Liga MX and sitting last. They’ve averaged 39 percent possession, scored less than one goal per match and have yet to keep a clean sheet.
They usually play in a 4-5-1, which uses one forward. This formation has been maintained all season, including in their first match of the tournament against NYCFC: a 0-0 draw that culminated in a 4-3 loss in penalties.
There are a few familiar faces in Queretaro’s squad. Ake Loba and Rubio Rubin are two of their forwards, having played for Nashville and Salt Lake respectively. Lucas Rodriguez, one of their wingers, played with Lucho at DC in 2019.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
One word can be used to describe the past few weeks: decline. The defense has been rotated and will be again with Miles Robinson in the USYNT’s squad for the Olympics. It has been hard for them to compete in matches like this, and they are on a three-game losing streak because of it.
But there is a positive. Chidozie Awaziem was signed to relieve this, and he will be available to make his debut in this match. Whether or not he starts is unknown, but any involvement from him could help.
When the club is playing most comfortably, few can beat them. But, obviously, it isn’t a guarantee that they will. They must focus on being defensively sound and organized.
The Orange & Blue have played four matches against opponents from Liga MX, winning two against Chivas and losing two against Monterrey. Querétaro is an unfamiliar opponent for them, so that will also have an effect.
Of note: if the club wins, they’ll be through to the knockout stage of the tournament.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Guillermo Allison is Queretaro’s player to watch. He made five saves in their last match against NYCFC, and more will be expected of him in this match. He will be their last-ditch defense, as he often has been.
DeAndre Yedlin is Cincinnati’s player to watch. He has been forced to play as a center back at times, and could again in this match. He has taken up a leadership role within the team and his performance will be crucial.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Cincinnati has been forced to rotate. Awaziem could be available, though, so the defense — and the team itself — might be more competitive because of it.
It won’t be an easy match. Querétaro is an unfamiliar opponent. They are a dynamic team but they’ve lacked the ability to do anything with that.
It will be a contest between two international opponents who want to get to winning ways. A loss for Querétaro would mean they’re knocked out of the tournament, so they will be playing with that in mind.
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