Torrential rains and ensuing concerns for player safety led to the postponement of FC Cincinnati’s originally scheduled September 5th fixture with D.C United. The Orange and Blue now welcome the Black and Red into TQL Stadium for a midweek makeup.
This rescheduled matchup has created a quirk, as the two sides were already slated to face off in the nation’s capital on Saturday. Two matches against the same opponent on consecutive regular season matchdays is an irregularity that has happened only seven times since it last happened to FCC in 2022.
With recent unpleasant results and a dwindling number of chances to gain ground in a gridlocked Eastern Conference, this set of fixtures against one of the preying sharks sitting below FCC in the table feels like a pair of “must-win” matchups.
FC Cincinnati:
Despite still clinging to a play-in spot in the table, Sunday’s loss versus rivals Columbus felt like a microcosm of the season thus far.
Pat Noonan acknowledged the letdown of not making progress in the table following the win in Atlanta, while also reiterating the necessity of making the most of the current position. “But even with the letdowns, we’re still above the playoff line, and it’s our job to stay there. So hopefully tomorrow we’re in a bit better position than today.”
Playing the same opponent in quick succession is never easy, and unfortunately proximity won’t be the only challenge FC Cincinnati faces on Wednesday. They will be without newcomer Julian Malatini, who suffered a leg injury Sunday and will likely miss three weeks. Additionally, the continued absence of Miles Robinson means that options remain lean at the back. A congested schedule and the aforementioned injury problems present a unique adversity, juxtaposing the need to field the best lineup with resting and rotation.
Despite the extensive challenges rising before the Orange and Blue, positives remain present. Through all the whiplash inducing ups-and-downs of the season, the offense has remained a constant. Led by Evander (23 MLS goal contributions), and Kevin Denkey (17 MLS goals), the Orange and Blue attack should have chances to best a defense that has surrendered nearly two goals per match this campaign. Additionally, newcomers David Doudera and Tyrell Malacia have simplified some of the personnel challenges while imbuing the club with an energy inspired by their European playing experience.
Regardless of the weight of the pros and cons, the undeniable fact remains that in a season that cares none for your feelings, time is running out. There is no time remaining to refocus and get better, and every match from here on is must-win.
D.C United:
After only amassing a meager 26 points over the duration of the 2025 season, the 2026 campaign has seen Rene Weiler’s D.C side fare better. Currently sitting on 33 points (7-10-12), and at 13th in the East, the Black and Red’s hopes for their first playoff appearance since 2019 remain alive. Needless to say, both sides have everything to work for in this quirky two match stretch.
At the front for DCU is 2026 signing Tai Baribo, who has scored 16 times in his 22 starts. His offensive counterpart, Romanian attacker Louis Munteanu, will be unavailable due to injury. However, that absence does not spell an unavoidable downfall. A strong aerial defense at the back courtesy of Kye Rowles, Lucas Bartlett, and Sean Nealis creates a challenge in progression. Likewise, a dangerous attacking threat from deeper positions presented by Keisuke Kurokawa adds a complimentary dynamic to the threat that is Baribo.
Between the posts stands Sean Johnson, a newcomer to DC for the 2026 season, but certainly no stranger to representing a reassuring defensive presence. Amassing six clean sheets and 108 saves thus far, Johnson brings extensive domestic and international experience.
Closing Thoughts:
Outside of all the tactical discussions and passion inspired views, the fact remains that Wednesday opens a window that will most likely determine the ultimate fate of FC Cincinnati’s 2026 season. This mental challenge, along with the various physical ones, ups the ante to a level unique to the desperate pursuit of that next stage in sport.
With all this is mind, Noonan views it all as a good thing. “It’s a good challenge because a lot of us haven’t been in this position before.”
Match Info:
Where: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
When: Wednesday October 20th, 7:30 PM
Watch: AppleTV+
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