On Monday, FC Cincinnati pulled off a dominant 1-0 victory over New York City FC in the first game of the Round One Best-Of-3 Series. It was Yamil Asad’s accidental header, assisted by Lucho Acosta, that was the game-winning goal.
They will now travel to the Big Apple to play the second game in the series. It will be played at Citi Field due to the possibility that the World Series would have been played at NYCFC’s usual Yankee Stadium.
THE OPPOSITION
The Pigeons have been in mixed form. After an impressive three-match winning streak that included a victory over this Cincinnati side, they slipped to becoming defeated and goalless in their last two. That would cement a disappointing sixth-place finish considering where they were earlier.
Their last contest in the series saw a fairly even first half. But it was in the second half when they lost control. They conceded an early goal and had to bunker down for the rest of the match. To make matters worse, they are without starting right-back Tayvon Gray, who received a red card for violent conduct, with an appeal denied.
Positively, their home form has been solid all season—10-4-3 and nearly two points averaged a game. They’ve won their last two home matches, although it is ambiguous what exactly “home” means for them. Citi Field will be the third venue they’ve used as a home in 2024.
To win, the Pigeons must get through Cincinnati’s defense which proved to be impenetrable on Monday. They have just the dynamic attack to do so. But negatively, they must defend Cincinnati, who scores more often in the second half. Conveniently, that is also their weakest half, averaging 0.89 concessions per game.
The Pigeons’ season is on the line. They must play with utmost intensity. It could very well be Nick Cushing’s last match on the sidelines for their club, who may join Arsenal’s women’s side.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
The Orange & Blue looked very well organized in that last contest. Their press was highly effective and their defending was rock solid. Many pointed out that they looked more like last season’s team.
They’ve lacked one thing most in 2024: consistency. All season, their performances have been inconsistent. Apart from a seven-match winning streak and a good run in the Leagues Cup, their form has been inconsistent. They used a different lineup for every match and never fielded the same eleven players.
But that could all be changing, as Noonan used the same lineup for the first time all season. That lineup, with an attacking trio of Lucho Acosta-Luca Orellano-Yuya Kubo, will likely remain. It certainly looks to be the strongest one possible.
Prior to this season, no one would have guessed that the Orange & Blue’s away form would be record-breaking. They average over two points per game and have a record of 11-2-4. That will be a huge positive for them heading into this match.
It is very possible that this team will make a deep run. They seem to have caught fire at the right time. The season was basically pronounced dead, but they’ve risen from the grave in a fall-like fashion. Of course, though, they will have to win this series first. If they do so in this second contest, they will advance early.
Of note: DeAndre Yedlin could be on the bench or unavailable, after leaving the last match early due to back pain.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Santi Rodriguez is NYCFC’s player to watch. Before their last two matches, he was in hot form with three goals and two assists in three matches. He has been their main creative outlet this season. If they want to do the improbable and win the series, he has to be at the center of it.
Yamil Asad is Cincinnati’s player to watch. The trio he has formed with Lucho and Luca has been fantastic, but he shouldn’t be overlooked. He has five goals and five assists on the season, including two scored in the last two matches.
WHAT TO EXPECT
NYCFC has struggled to score recently. It is in all likelihood that they finally do it in this match, but will it be enough? Cincinnati has hit a great run of form and looks like the team that won the Shield in ‘23.
You can expect a feisty match. There have been multiple moments of aggression shared between these sides, especially in that last contest. NYCFC’s season is at stake. They have to win—and so, they won’t be holding anything back.
But neither will Cincinnati. For the first time in this disappointing season, they can taste success. This match, to them, is a chance to go further when no one had any more hope.
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