After two straight away matches, FC Cincinnati comes back to TQL Stadium for a meeting with the Chicago Fire, a team they have history with.
THE FIRE
In their second season under Greg Berhalter, the Fire looked to build off of a set style of play and a vibrant squad. They bolstered a midfield that was considerably weak with two acquisitions: Anton Saletros, who had Allsvenskan and Conference League experience with AIK, and Robin Lod, one of the most productive midfielders in the league who spent years in Minnesota. They poached two South African talents: Mbekezeli Mbokazi to hold it down at center-back, and Puso Dithejane to add more dynamism to their frontline. As a backup goalkeeper, Josh Cohen was acquired from Atlanta.
They have a lot going for them in their project under the former USMNT manager. Many wondered how their sophomore season would go, and it could not have started much better: through 7 matches, they are in second place in the East, just 3 points behind leaders Nashville. Their record is 4-1-2, which includes only a single loss since the opener. Their form has been mostly consistent since then.
Much of what has allowed them to be so high in the East is a new and improved defense. Their 5 goals conceded is among the best in the conference. On the offensive side, only 9 goals have been scored—with 4 of them by their main man up top, Hugo Cuypers. There must be some improvement on that end of the pitch if they hope to maintain this form.
The Fire’s last match was a simple 1-0 win over Atlanta. They took the lead early, courtesy of Maren Haile-Salaisse, and then fended off any attempts. Three of their 4 wins have been by a one-goal margin, so they are very capable of seeing it out in close matches.
The midweek tussle with Detroit City FC in the Open Cup might force some rotation, as a few starters went the full ninety, but surely not much. Chicago will know that an away match in Cincinnati must be earned. They will also want to take full advantage of Nashville not being fit heading into their league meeting, since they put everything into beating America at the Azteca in the CCC.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
The Orange and Blue still aren’t past their shaky form, and many are wondering if its form or function.
Their previous match was a 1-1 draw to Toronto FC, with the point secured at the very end by Kenji Mboma-Dem’s first MLS goal. Any point away will do, but that can’t be separated from the on-field performance—most of the match was spent being unable to establish any sort of foothold. This is a problem more glaring than ever in Pat Noonan’s fifth season in charge.
Their league form, with just one win in the past 5, needs to be turned around to close the four point gap between them and the places between 4th and 7th. Each match now takes on a greater sense of urgency than the one before it.
The Orange and Blue will be sorely missing their top goalscorer, Kevin Denkey, who was sent off late in Toronto for violent conduct—hands to the face—on an opposing center-back. On the defensive side, Obi Nwobodo is nursing an injury and Matt Miazga is unavailable, tilting the field slightly in favor of Chicago’s dynamic attack. A response to that must take a holistic approach to the attack.
If there has been one improvement in recent weeks, it is the newfound determination they have shown in moments where they are down; they grabbed all 3 points in against Montreal with a very late stoppage time winner, and their point against Toronto was secured in those same last few minutes. They have not been losing without finding chances in the dying minutes. The team must know that every match for the time being needs nothing less than a win, or they risk slipping further down.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cincinnati’s player to watch is Evander. He has had a sputtered start to the season due to injury, and still hasn’t looked up to speed in his last few full 90s. In the absence of the side’s best performing attacker, the kind of performances that made him a finalist for MVP are even more needed.
Chicago’s player to watch is none other than Hugo Cuypers. As mentioned earlier, he has half of their goals scored in the league campaign—and they have all come in his last 4 appearances. If there is any player between the two sides who is in hot form, it is him.
PREDICTED LINEUP:
MATCH INFO
WHERE: TQL Stadium
WHEN: 7:30 PM
WATCH: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+
LISTEN: ESPN 1530 iHeart Radio w/ Tommy Gelehrter and Kevin McCloskey
Recommended for you
