On Wednesday night, FC Cincinnati picked up an important three points at TQL Stadium off the back of a really solid defensive performance. The win put some much needed distance between D.C. United and the Orange and Blue. Now, FCC travel to the nation’s capital to widen that gap even further.
FC Cincinnati:
FC Cincinnati came into Wednesday night in the last playoff spot in the East. The match, a make-up date from a previous rain-out, was the last game in hand that FCC had left to make up any ground in the table.
This was also the first of back-to-back matches against D.C. United, with both teams pushing hard to make the playoffs. FCC needed a big response and three points after putting in a poor effort in the “Hell Is Real” Derby on Sunday night.
It was the exact response from a must-win match after a tough loss. The Orange and Blue were defensively sound throughout the entire match. Despite a couple of nervy moments, the backline held together strong in one of their better performance this season. While they did give up one goal, the naked eye could have called it back for offside.
While FCC weren’t dominant and did not create a ton of great chances, they kept putting shots on the keeper making him make saves, even if some were easy. FCC also had a couple of wide shots that kept the keeper rooted to the spot. Had they been on target, they would have been goals to pad the score. This is the kind of performance one can hope can carry the team not only through the match this weekend, but also the three tough matches to close out the season.
The injury report does have another late addition. Newly-added Tyrell Malacia left the match at halftime with an ankle concern. The ex-Man United defender is listed as out for Saturday’s rematch, along with center backs Julian Malatini and Miles Robinson. Ender Echenique, who missed Wednesday’s match, remained as a questionable designation.
D.C. United:
Not that these two matches were ever going to be easy, but now D.C. United have their backs pinned against the wall. There is no more dangerous opponent than a team that is desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. Not to mention, winning against a team one just beat a few days ago is extremely hard to replicate. (Although FC Cincinnati did pull that off against Toronto FC in 2023! – Ed.)
D.C. have also been a much better team at home than they have been on the road. United have only two road wins, but at their own ground, they are a much more respectable 5-5-5. Despite being three points behind Red Bull New York for the last playoff spot, D.C. still have a good chance at making the playoffs in a crowded bottom of the Eastern Conference.
After their match with FC Cincinnati this weekend, United play playoff-hopefuls Toronto FC and the Columbus Crew on the road before finishing up at home against New York City FC. All three teams are also in the same pack playing for the last two spots in the East. With that schedule, D.C. essentially control their own destiny. If they win all four of those matches, their chance to at least play in the wild card match will be quite good.
D.C. United also have three definite absences and a questionable designation. Midfielder Hosei Kijima went under the knife this week for foot surgery, while forwards Louis Munteanu and Gabe Segal remain out with lower leg issues. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who missed Wednesday’s match, is listed as questionable.
Closing Thoughts:
Despite being higher up in the table going into the weekend, FC Cincinnati might be feeling more pressure this weekend. The schedule for FCC is much more brutal to end the season, compared to D.C. The murderers’ row of Inter Miami, Philadelphia Union, and Nashville SC to finish means picking up three more points this weekend is vital.
Match Info:
Where: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
When: Saturday, October 24th; 7:30 PM
Watch: Apple+ TV
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