FC Cincinnati will play host to Austin FC at TQL Stadium. It is a match between similar sides on paper: costly attacks with high expectations and solid defences that could be better.
LOS VERDES
Austin FC made headlines this offseason as one the biggest spenders in the West. Their ownership is renowned for being ambitious, making their hiring of Rodolfo Borrell in July of 2023—a former Manchester City executive—as the club’s new Sporting Director and Chief Soccer Officer a perfect match.
They made waves when they acquired a front three of designated players: Osman Bukari, Myrto Uzuni, and a former FCC legend, striker Brandon Vazquez—all of which consecutively broke the club’s record transfer fee. Other, more savvy additions include Mikkel Desler and Oleksandr Svatok to shore up the defense, Besard Sabovic and Nicolás Dubersarsky to stabilize the midfield, and Robert Taylor to provide cover for the attack.
But the story of their season has, thus far, fallen short of expectations. To put it bluntly, Manager Nico Estévez has failed to make use of the talent in Verde. While sixth place is not a bad place to find oneself at this point in the season, the club has a record of 5-1-1 with the lowest goalscoring rate (seven) in the West.
Estévez’s usual, possession-based style at Dallas has not been replicated in Austin, as they average just 46%. This lack of ball control has forced the club to use the counter-attack to create scoring chances. Their defense got off to a hot start with Brendan Hines-Ike and Oleksandr Svatok starting at center-back, but has declined in recent weeks, conceding 10 goals in their previous five contests.
Austin’s most recent league match was a crushing 3-0 defeat at home in front of a filled Q2 Stadium to Minnesota United—despite dominating the stat line with an uncharacteristic 67% possession rate and 14 shots on goal. In comparison, their opponent only put up 11 shots, but held onto the momentum and were clinical in dissecting the defense of Austin FC while shutting down every scoring opportunity that arose for the Verde and Black.
Their midweek meeting with El Paso Locomotive in the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup was an exhilarating 3-2 comeback victory. When Austin found themselves down 0-2 in the 73rd minute, Brandon Vazquez netted the first goal to start the rally, followed by Myrto Uzuni scoring just three minutes later to bring the match to a stalemate. Fans didn’t even have time to calm their excitement before it was Vazquez again in the 80th minute, burying a header into the bottom right corner of the net. It is safe to say that the defense did not impress in this outing, though they were able to ride out the final minutes of the game to a thrilling victory.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
The Orange & Blue were on a five match winning streak prior to playing in Citi Field against New York City FC last Sunday. In that rain-soaked affair, they would fall 1-0, a narrow scoreline that didn’t reflect the attacking onslaught from their opponents. The FC Cincinnati attack fell abnormally flat, the midfield—really, the entire team—were not able to progress the ball past NYCFC’s steadily improving defensive front.
This failure to progress the ball, or even string together more than a few passes, has been a silent, yet reoccurring pain point for this group. FCC holds 50% average time of possession in contests this season, meaning whether or not they or their opponents will control the pace of the game is a toss-up. To make matters worse, the duo of Kévin Denkey and Evander da Silva Ferreira have yet to score a goal that is assisted by the other.
The Orange and Blue currently sit in third place in the East, with Denkey and Evander leading the club in goals scored. They haven’t been as able to play out from the back and boss the pitch as much as they would like, but their possession percentage at home is slightly better at 53%. Heading into the weekend, they remain unbeaten through five matches at TQL.
If the Orange and Blue can combine their home-field advantage, individual brilliance, and hold control of possession, then the opposition will have a rough 90 minutes. However, Austin FC remains a dangerous opponent, not to be taken lightly, especially when FCC looked so devoid of answers last Saturday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pavel Bucha is Cincinnati’s player to watch. With his return to the pitch, Cincinnati will have a steady force in midfield to distribute the ball. FCC has yet to see another player fill the shoes of Bucha when it comes to facilitating for the club’s strikers.
Brandon Vazquez is an easy choice for Austin’s player to watch. Against the Locomotives, he set up several chances for his teammates and netted two himself. It was through his brace that they were able to advance past El Paso. Fans will remember when he returned to TQL as a Monterrey player in ’24, netting the lone goal in that contest.
WHAT TO EXPECT
If Austin sits back and plays the defensive style of soccer that they are expected to, Cincinnati will have a chance to hold pitch supremacy. The Verde and Black have had a rough start to the MLS season, but could very well ride the momentum from their victory over El Paso to regain their stride in league play. Prior to last week, Cincinnati would have been an easy favorite heading into Saturday’s contest, but their last match is proof that some problems linger for the home team.
Still, it is unlikely that we see a match like the one sided affair against NYCFC. Bucha’s return to the midfield will enable Cincinnati’s in-possession play to accelerate back to its expected form. Additionally, the factor of home-field advantage for FCC draws us to the conclusion that they are expected to send Austin back without any points.
MATCH INFO
WHERE: TQL Stadium
WHEN: 7:30
WATCH: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+
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