The Orange and Blue are back in action at the fortress on Wednesday July 16th as they receive the surging Herons of Inter Miami who have lost only once in league play since May 18th. FCC will be looking to turn things around after the very disappointing loss at home in the Hell is Real Derby. Will they be able to overcome the heavy expectations?
INTER MIAMI FC (THE HERONS)
Under their new coach Javier Mascherano, who took over for Tata Martino on November 26th, 2024, Miami has shifted tactics. While he still depends on Lionel Messi, he has emphasized a different tactical approach with more focus on defensive shape and transitions. There’s a growing emphasis on team cohesion and resilience, with Mascherano praising Messi’s leadership and “contagious spirit” during high-stakes matches like the Club World Cup. Mascherano, a former elite defensive midfielder, seems to be instilling greater tactical rigor, especially in midfield roles.
Mascherano’s strategy leans on quick combinations between Messi and Luis Suárez, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets supporting transitions. There’s a strong Argentinian and Latin American influence, both culturally and stylistically, with emphasis on technical finesse over physicality. Messi continues to operate in the half-spaces, often dropping deep to orchestrate play. Forward Luis Suárez and Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia rotate around him, creating short passing triangles.
The team has shown weaknesses that reflect their dependence on aging, albeit still brilliant, stars in Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets. The squad struggles against fast transitions which opponents exploit by launching direct plays over the midfield. Teams will crowd Messi and force him wide play which has worked for some teams. Messi, however, still manages to produce magic despite the pressing attention he gets. In addition, the team has been known to somewhat fade after 30 minutes of play which have raised questions about fitness and tactical flexibility.
Regardless, Mascherano continues to instill into his players the system he prefers which is why he brought in the following players who have quickly become key pieces in his puzzle:
- Telasco Segovia, Venezuelan midfielder who is bringing more control and composure to midfield play
- Gonzalo Luján, promising Argentine defender known for his composure and ball-playing ability, while adding depth and versatility
- Tadeo Allende, Argentine forward on loan from Celta de Vigo, who has pace and creativity that offers a dynamic edge in wide areas
- Rocco Ríos Novo, Argentine-American goalkeeper brought in to provide competition and stability between the posts
Since their 3-0 loss at home against Orlando on May 18th, Inter have drawn and then won five in a row, scoring 20 goals while conceding nine, with a combined 11.2 expected goals (xG) and 9 expected goals against (xGA) (these stats exclude Club World Cup games). Messi, Allende, Telasco, and Suarez are their lead scorers with 16, 7, 5, and 5 respectively, accounting for 75% of the 44 goals scored by Miami in MLS games during the season.
ORANGE AND BLUE
FCC’s frustrating collapse against Columbus Crew in the Hell is Real (HiR) derby has created much concern across multiple lines. For a match review check out Justin Blair’s article.
Questions are being asked about the team’s ability to maintain a lead, especially in view of having an almost complete starting roster. Time and time again the Orange and Blue have gotten ahead by one or two goals only to see that lead vanish or winning by one goal but with the opposition pressuring and creating opportunities during the last 10 to 15 minutes.
The backline is still without Nick Hagglund and will be for several more weeks with no definitive time as to when he could return and be in 90 minutes match fitness. Miles Robinson was back from his USMNT assignment, but some rust was evident given he did not have meaningful playing minutes during the Gold Cup. That was also evident with the lack of communication between him and Matt Miazga in the leadup to Columbus’ fourth goal. Our left side continues to be vulnerable with Luca Orellano not yet having the ability to return quickly when he moves up field. Wilfred Nancy (head coach of Columbus) exposed those weaknesses in a big way.
Obinna Nwobodo will be absent for an undetermined amount of time and that is a big hole that cannot be currently filled with the current roster. His absence was felt during HiR, especially in the first two goals from the Crew. Anunga and Bucha did their best, but Bucha’s skills are in distributing and moving up the field. Anunga can disrupt but he can’t hold the ball like Obi and progressing the ball is not his skill. And we still don’t know as of this writing of Yuya Kubo’s status.
At the front Evander and Kevin Denkey (KD) continue to create opportunities, but we have yet to see them function efficiently in a consistent manner. Having a big target like Kei Kamara helps free up space for KD and Evander but it has yet to be done consistently.
FCC has a quick turnaround before shaking off the meltdown that occurred on Saturday at TQL Stadium, resting, and getting mentally and physically ready for what is sure to be a very challenging opponent.
MATCH INFO
Who: FC Cincinnati (13-3-6) vs Inter Miami FC (11-5-3)
When: Wednesday July 16th, 7:30 pm
Where: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Watch: Apple TV+
Listen: iHeart Media ESPN 1530 (English), La Mega Cincinnati 101.5 FM (Spanish)
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