PREVIEW: Stoppable Force Meets Movable Object | FC Cincinnati vs RBNY
Shawn Behmer
After two stoppage-time goals, FC Cincinnati ties it at the death against New York City FC in a 4–4 draw. Oddly enough, Red Bull New York is coming off a 4–4 draw against DC United. I’ll just go ahead and say what we’re all thinking: could we actually see 8+ goals?
FC Cincinnati currently sits in 11th in the Eastern Conference and 22nd in the Supporters’ Shield race. FC Cincinnati and RBNY have conceded 23 goals in 9 matches—both are tied for second in goals conceded (in MLS play this season).
It’s worth noting that The FC has not recorded a win since March 22 against Montreal, and the last time The Orange and Blue recorded a clean sheet in MLS was the season opener on February 21st against Atlanta United.
While the defense continues to concede at an alarming rate (2.6 goals conceded per match), FC Cincinnati is tied for 6th in goals scored, 4th in total xG, and 4th in big chances created in MLS play this season.
On the other hand, RBNY sits in 8th in the Eastern Conference and 17th in the Supporters’ Shield race. RBNY has just two wins in its last five matches: FC Cincinnati and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the US Open Cup. It’s also worth noting that RBNY drew with Inter Miami (2–2) and lost to a potential Wooden Spoon contender, CF Montreal (4–1).
The Walmart Saturday Showdown at TQL Stadium will be the 22nd matchup for these two sides. Since 2017, FC Cincinnati currently holds a 7-9-5 record against RBNY.
Players to watch
FC Cincinnati:
Evander: With two goals in the last two matches, he is looking to turn his quiet season around and get back to his MVP level of play. He also just became the all-time leading Brazilian-born goal scorer in MLS history.
Whoever is healthy enough to play CB in this match.
RBNY:
Julian Hall: This homegrown talent currently sits at 6 goals and 2 assists on the season in MLS play as an 18 year old.
Ronald Donkor: This 21 year old central midfielder sits at 1 goal and 3 assists in MLS play.
FC Cincinnati vs PRO Referees
Our PRO Referees assignment:
REF: Fotis Bazakos
AR1: Felisha Mariscal
AR2: Mike Nickerson
4TH: Edson Carvajal
VAR: Michael Radchuk
AVAR: Kevin Huet
Fotis Bazakos made 179 appearances as a ref in MLS and has issued 671 yellow cards. He averages 3.8 yellow cards and 24.6 fouls per match.
FC Cincinnati lineup notes
Teenage Hadebe is out 3-4 weeks.
Nick Hagglund is out.
Alvas Powell is out.
Miles Robinson is unlikely to be available.
Matt Miazga is out.
Obinna Nwobodo is out.
FC Cincinnati predictions against RBNY
The Chief: 5-5
Kevin: 2-2
Grayson: 3-0, RBNY
How to watch FC Cincinnati against RBNY
FC Cincinnati hosts Red Bull New York at TQL Stadium on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. If you are not attending the match, you can watch the match on Apple TV or by visiting our good friends at Streetside Brewery.