FC Cincinnati (11-10-11, 43 pts.) return to home base for a tussle with league climbers Philadelphia Union (13-8-11, 47 pts.) The matchup will surely deliver with playoff qualification on the line for the Orange and Blue. Meanwhile, the Union aspire to end the year as a top-four seed.
It is fitting that Cincinnati has met its “Big Brother” at every point where they needed to prove themselves as an organization. They succumbed to Philly in the conference semi-final of their first playoff run in 2022. The season after, in 2023, they vanquished the Union and reached the conference final.
Tomorrow’s match may be the regular season, but it is no different. There is more proving to be done than ever before.
THE OPPOSITION
The second year of the Bradley Carnell experience led to another canceled project. The firing and interim hire of reserve coach Ryan Richter was a normal “next man up” move for a Union squad that had nothing left to lose, but it quickly became something much more.
His brief interim tenure has been an undeniable success. Richter has used everything the Union have stood for, such as high-intensity play and youth development, to bring them back to their rightful place near the top of the East. They have posted a 12-1-4 record during his tutelage, which began as a 15-match unbeaten streak. They now sit in sixth place, just three points off Charlotte FC (50 pts.)
Their latest match was a scoreless stalemate against Nashville SC. Their opponent opted to rest a few attacking players after clinching the Supporters’ Shield, and the Union themselves did the exact same. Both defenses stood strong, as a total of just three shots were registered on target between both.
As everyone in the league has been watching since summer, the recipe to the Union’s success has been the aforementioned youth class. Cavan Sullivan and Neil Pierre are pound for pound the most quality players in their respective positions that their club has produced. Their meteoric rise has taken them from some of the most exciting league starters in their spots, to core players for the next USMNT generation.
However, there is some uncertainty, as injuries are claiming players. Forward Milan Iloski (hamstring) and midfielder Danley Jean Jacques (suspended) are officially out, but Cavan Sullivan may be back after a short injury concern.
The Union have had a slight blip in their seemingly unstoppable run with a three-match winless streak. Still, their belief and commitment under Richter has never wavered.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
FCC’s third-worst defense in the league has actually looked a shadow of itself lately. They did concede twice to Miami—which is hard for any team to avoid—but their general play has looked much more stout. Perhaps it is the inclusion of Nick Hagglund, who is an aerial duel machine. However, the forms of Kyle Smith and Teenage Hadebe have improved immensely as well.
The other thing they needed most going into the playoffs was for Evander’s form to heat up again. It looked like it might after his golazo and nifty through ball against D.C. In their 2-2 draw against Miami, he didn’t affect the game in the same areas, but he did register an assist on Gidi’s goal. He has definitely gotten warmer.
The Orange and Blue head into this knowing a win alone is enough to clinch a playoff spot, which they have never failed to do under Pat Noonan. Not only would that give them the chance to make a run, but it could quiet a lot of negative discourse around this season—at least until it is over.
It is notable that the last matchup against Philly was possibly the worst defeat all year. The defense fell apart after a red card, and Evander and Denkey had to be hooked at halftime during a 5-0 loss.
The Orange and Blue can expect what they experienced last time they met. The press was suffocating, compounded with quick breaks. The focus should be on either upping the tempo on and off the ball, or resorting to the box defense that has been tough to break down lately. They just can’t get stuck playing the Philly game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The Union’s player to watch is Bruno Damiani. The Uruguayan striker has become a fixture in his second year with 12 goals and three assists. The last time he met Cincinnati, he netted a hat-trick.
Cincinnati’s player to watch is Kévin Denkey. Tomorrow his team will be needing goals, and no one is more qualified to bring that than the $16 million DP striker. He will be just as needy, as it has been four full nineties since he has scored.
PREDICTED LINEUP:
Miles Robinson remains “Day-to-Day” and will likely start on the bench. Julián Malatini and Tyrell Malacia remain out.
MATCH INFO:
WHERE: TQL Stadium
WHEN: Saturday, October 31st, 2:00 PM
WATCH: Apple TV+
LISTEN: ESPN 1530 iHeart Radio w/ Tommy Gelehrter and Kevin McCloskey
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