FC Cincinnati travels to South Florida to play Inter Miami. It is the second and final regular season meeting this season between two sides vying for the Supporters’ Shield.
THE OPPOSITION
Inter Miami has mostly maintained form since their hugely disappointing loss in Cincinnati. In the six matches they’ve played since then, they’ve only lost two; the rest have been wins.
In their Leagues Cup campaign, they reached the Round of 16 but were knocked out by the Columbus Crew. They lost to Tigres in the group stage of that tournament and conceded eight goals throughout their four matches in it. They have mostly maintained in spite of their defense being shaky.
The Herons are the team that everyone is expecting to win the Shield. Chris Henderson has constructed a roster that not only includes older greats like Messi, Suarez or Busquets, but younger talents and adequate depth. This, combined with a tactician like Tata Martino who coaches a possession-based setup, makes them a huge challenge.
It has been both the stars and depth players who have mostly carried them to the top. When a player like Messi, Suarez or Busquets misses, someone like Matias Rojas, Leo Campana or Federico Redondo can provide cover.
Lionel Messi is not expected to play after suffering an ankle injury in Argentina’s Copa America final win over Colombia some time ago. His return, at the earliest, is expected to be a week after this match.
But is that really a problem for the Herons? They’ve played without him for most of the summer and have still managed to sit at the top of the table. They’re going to be a huge challenge to play against, but they still have a shaky defense that could leak goals against the potency of Lucho Acosta, Luca Orellano, Yuya Kubo, and now Niko Gioacchini.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
The Orange & Blue had a Leagues Cup campaign that boosted confidence. They reached the Round of 16 of the tournament, and despite losing to Philadelphia in that round, had three-straight wins and looked to have regained form.
Now they are in the stretch. It is here, in the final half of the season, where they must continue their form and become even better than before.
They made additions. It wasn’t the impressive transfer window that was intended, but they made two very solid signings: Chidozie Awaziem and Gioacchini mentioned above. The former played in the Leagues Cup and has proved to be a well-needed addition to the defense, while the latter will likely make his debut in this match.
These additions, combined with the quality squad that Pat Noonan already has at his disposal, will be expected to make the push for the Shield. This match against Miami is arguably the most important one.
The Orange & Blue’s form on the road has been one of the themes of the season, only losing one road match in their last eight. It will be a huge help, considering they’ve been better anywhere else but home.
And how could we forget what happened the last time they faced each other? It was a 6-1 win, one of the greatest ones FCC has ever had.
Of note: Lucho Acosta has missed some full training sessions, so it is a possibility that he won’t start this match.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Matias Rojas is Miami’s player to watch. He was signed as a depth forward but earned a starting role. He has eight goals and one assist in 14 matches for them this season, and four goals in their last four matches. He is their best player in Messi’s absence.
Niko Gioacchini is Cincinnati’s player to watch. His deadline signing was made to give the club a proven striker for the stretch, and he’ll be expected to contribute. They’ll be relying on him as their DP #9, especially in matches like this.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From a neutral perspective, this match looks very entertaining. From the standpoint of either team, this is the must-win match of the season. It is the most important, because it could propel someone further to the Shield and leave another with a slim chance.
Neither Miami nor Cincinnati will be leaving anything out of this match. It is the stretch, the “crunch time” of the season, and there are no excuses now. There is only what you leave on the field and what that gives you on the table.
Everyone can expect a match that will be played with all of this in mind. It will be entertaining, physical, and competitive.
Recommended for you
