Here comes the sun!
FC Cincinnati (2W-0D-2L, 7 pts) welcomes Atlanta United FC (1W-1D-2L, 4 pts) to TQL Stadium for a match with an unusual start time of 2:30 p.m. on a Saturday. FCC fans accustomed to the recent rapid-fire game schedule are likely noticing MLS soccer missing in their regular diet and reflecting, “It seems like years since it’s been here.” With a game-time temperature in the mid-50s, and the forecast calling for the clouds to part to let the rays shine through, those in attendance will likely find comfort after previous games played in the “long, cold, lonely winter.” But will we see “smiles returning to their faces?”
THE OPPOSITION
For the second straight game, FC Cincinnati will face a team that has lost a heartbreaker to Inter Miami. Fafà Picault’s 89th-minute goal gave Miami a 2-1 victory last Sunday. Before that game, Atlanta completed a 0-0 draw against NY Red Bulls on March 8th, a 2-0 loss to Charlotte on March 1st, and their only victory came almost a month ago over Montreal, 3-2. Atlanta will be without eleven players in its lineup, with Luis Abram, Miguel Almiron, Luke Brennan, Noah Cobb, Jay Fortune, Stian Gregersen, Efrain Morales, and Bartosz Slisz all called up for international duty. Mateusz Klich, Edwin Mosquera, and Jamal Thiare are also sidelined with injuries.
THE FIVE STRIPES TO WATCH
Emmanual Latte Lath is Atlanta’s 26-year-old explosive striker from Ivory Coast. He has recorded three goals for Atlanta so far this year. Lath played many years for Atalanta before a series of loans to various teams and a two-year stint with Middlesbrough where he recorded 27 goals. He signed a four-year Designated Player contract with Atlanta through 2028 with a reported MLS record $22 million transfer fee. The previous record was held by Kevin Denkey ($16.2 million).
The Atlanta players to never discount are Brooks Lennon and Brad Guzan. Lennon has 147 appearances for Atlanta since 2020 and appearances on United States national teams. He can find players, cross effectively, and distribute missile strikes deep into enemy territory. Brad Guzan, at age 40, has 203 games with Atlanta United since 2017 and 64 appearances with the United States from 2006-2021. You couldn’t ask for a more experienced backline director.
WHO ARE WE?
While Atlanta will be missing eleven due to international duty, Cincinnati will only sacrifice two. Kévin Denkey has been called up to the Togo National Team, and Stefan Chirila the Romania National Team U-18. However, Cincinnati will also be missing Gilberto Flores. He was suspended due to a red card at the end of the Charlotte game. Still, FCC will have Evander and Luca Orellano, and the usual cast available in midfield. The real mystery lies in how Pat Noonan will construct the defense. Will we see the return of Hagglund or the recently signed Australian wingback Brad Smith? In all likelihood Smith’s entrance would come as a substitute for Lukas Engel, who reflected on his familiarity with Latte Lath in FC Cincinnati’s mid-week press conference. Engel and Lath are both coming from Middlesbrough having played plenty of matches together.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Denkey’s absence could paradoxically streamline FC Cincinnati’s attack. Less congestion up top might give Evander the room to showcase his playmaking abilities and build a more consistent partnership with Orellano. It also just happens to be Luca Orellano’s 24th birthday, which is always a nice reason to generate a hat trick! Will Noonan start Baird as he often has, or does this represent a possible starting opportunity for Santos, adding a burst of speed? Of course, to get there the backline and midfield will have to communicate and build well from the back.
For more, check out our own Geoff Tebbetts with his Jersey Swap, or Josh Dye who took some time to preview the match with Henry Higuita from Scarves and Spikes.
MATCH INFO
Where: TQL Stadium
When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
English Local Radio: iHeart Media ESPN 1530
Spanish Local Radio: La Mega 101.5 FM
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