For most of the major soccer leagues of the world, the newly instated 16-day international break allows for a chance for supporters to enjoy their stars representing their homelands. Typically, this window also offers chance for recuperation and additional tactical refinement. However MLS fixtures will bleed into the break, with Saturday’s matches being the last until the majority of teams return to action on October 10th.
With the circumstances being as they are, the majority of sides that will see action tomorrow will be impacted to some extent. Incidentally, the break affects FC Cincinnati and CF Montreal heavily. All told, the Orange and Blue will be down six players, including five starters. Across the pitch, CF Montreal will be missing an astounding 13 players between injuries and international duty.
FC Cincinnati
With an acrid recent run of form under their belt, the Orange and Blue will seek to begin a late-season push for the MLS postseason with their trip to Montreal. Despite pulling only three points from their last five fixtures, there is still hope. FCC still can keep their chin above the proverbial waterline. However, this challenge will be exacerbated by the significant absences expected Saturday night.
Among the missing will be Kevin Denkey (Togo), Pavel Bucha (Czechia), Andrei Chirila (USA U-19), and Miles Robinson (USA). Additionally, Ender Echenique will be unavailable due to the same visa problems that stopped him from representing Venezuela.
Despite these absences, good news awaits on the horizon. Recent signing David Doudera has joined the team fully and will be available on Saturday. His presence will undoubtedly bolster FCC, with Pat Noonan giving the wingback high praise for his tenacity. “With the time off and where he was at with trainings and games, he’s behind the group, naturally, but pushed really hard.”
In addition to Doudera, fellow new signing Julian Malatini arrived in the Queen City on Thursday. With his ramp-up window not expected to be finished soon, an immediate impact isn’t anticipated. However, the promise of reinforcements remains.
All that being said, Saturday’s lineup is sure to be an interesting one. The dynamic between a backline and midfield both missing key pieces will be something to watch closely. Additionally, Kevin Denkey’s absence will spell potential chances. Both Tom Barlow and Ayoub Jabbari should play the role of game-changer on Saturday.
CF Montreal
While FCC certainly faces a challenge with their missing starters, the hosts face an even greater challenge. With a collective 13 missing players between call-ups and injuries, Montreal will struggle to find a formula that will present them a chance to glean a result.
Most notable amongst their absences:
- Wiki Carmona (Venezuela – 4 goals)
- Efrain Morales (Bolivia – 14 starts at CB, 2 assists)
- Dante Sealy (Trinidad & Tobago – 14 starts, 2 assists)
- Gennadyi Synchuk (Ukraine – 13 starts, 1 goal, 1 assist)
These hurdles couldn’t have come at a worst time. L’Impact currently find themselves in the midst of a rough campaign. Currently, Montreal lurk at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and with zero points from their last five matches. Saturday will be yet another challenge for Phillippe Eullaffroy’s side.
Their absences are so severe that, according to AppleTV analyst Vincent Destouches, CF Montreal “asked MLS to postpone its Saturday match against Cincinnati. With the absences related to the international window, Montreal is decimated and might only have three players on its bench. The league refused.” Destouche’s Report
Closing Thoughts
Regardless of the massive number of absences for both sides, any points gained from Saturday’s fixture count all the same in the table. With the precarious position FC Cincinnati currently find themselves in, any potential points could serve as critical in their season outcome.
As far as absences go, no Miles Robinson or Andrei Chirila means we most likely see a backline consisting of Kyle Smith, Teenage Hadebe, and Nick Hagglund. The depleted midfield will sorely miss both Ender Echenique and Pavel Bucha, yet the incoming Doudera will do well to assuage some of those concerns. If Doudera starts, a midfield of Bryan Ramirez, Obi Nwobodo, and Sami Gidi could accompany him.
The attack will be missing Kevin Denkey, yet with the dynamo Evander still present a joint effort between the Brazilian and a combination of Dado Valenzuela, Ayoub Jabbari, and Tom Barlow should spell chances for FCC to take advantage of a depleted Montreal side.
Where: Stade Saputo, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
When: 7:30 PM EST, Saturday, September 26th
Weather: 66 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Watch: MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+
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