PREVIEW: World Cup Interrupts FC Cincinnati’s Season | The FC vs Orlando
Shawn Behmer
Well, here we are. It’s the last match ahead of the FIFA World Cup break. It’s a shame that FIFA feels the need to interrupt FC Cincinnati’s season, but could this be a blessing in disguise? Could this break be what’s needed to get The FC back on track? We shall see.
Before we look ahead to the break and all the fun transfer scoops, let’s focus on The FC’s matchup against Orlando City.
After narrowly escaping a loss to San Diego, FC Cincinnati drew 3-3 against San Diego thanks to Tom Barlow’s brace. I feel obligated to do this – here is Barlow’s stoppage-time goal you just have to watch again.
Tired legs could play a role in this matchup as Orlando has played three matches in six days. Most recently, Orlando City blew out Atlanta 4-1 in the US Open Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday, May 19.
And for your larger picture view of both teams, The FC currently sits 9th in the Eastern Conference and 19th in the Supporters’ Shield race. Meanwhile, Orlando City sits 10th in the East and 22nd in the Shield race.
So, I would expect plenty of goals in this match. Orlando has conceded 38 goals this season and leads the league in goals conceded, while The FC has the second-most goals conceded in MLS with 35.
Head-to-Head
The H2H is nearly even as The FC has a 4-5-4 record against Orlando. It’s also worth noting that, out of the 13 matchups, the home team has won three times. The last time a home team won this matchup was FC Cincinnati on June 24, 2022. Yikes.
Another notable detail is that this is the first time Pat Noonan will face Orlando City without Oscar Pareja as manager.
“It doesn't feel like a different version of them. Martín [Perelman] has worked with Oscar Pareja for a long time and clearly the personnel hasn't changed on the field and they have a very talented group. Of course when you have a [managerial] change, maybe there's new ideas and, you know, he has his own tweak on some of their ideas, but I think you see a lot of similar concepts,” Pat Noonan said when asked if this would be a different version of Orlando City coming to town.
Players to Watch
FC Cincinnati
Miles Robinson: This is a fun one. Will he play? Is he being saved for a potential World Cup call-up? Noonan mentioned in Thursday’s pregame press conference that Miles is day-to-day. Noonan went on to say, “All of our decisions are to make sure that we're doing the best for Miles, for our group.” Watch this space, chat.
Pavel Bucha: Whether he is deployed in the midfield or at wingback, you know what you are getting. With nearly 1,200 minutes played so far in MLS, Bucha will look to secure a final spot on the Czech Republic’s World Cup roster. Expect him to be an impact player in this match.
Orlando City
Martín Ojeda: This Designated Player has nine goals on the season and is in the top 10 in the Golden Boot race. He will be one to watch against The FC’s leaky defense.
Maxime Crépeau: This one is for the Goalkeeper Union. Maxime is in contention with Dayne St. Clair to claim the starting goalkeeper spot for Canada this World Cup. I fully expect Maxime to stand on his head in this match.
FC Cincinnati vs PRO Referees
Our PRO Referees assignment:
REF: Rubiel Vazquez
AR1: Cory Richardson
AR2: Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho
4TH: Allen Chapman
VAR: Ismir Pekmic
AVAR: TJ Zablocki
Rubiel Vazquez has made 253 appearances as a professional ref and issued 864 yellow cards, averaging 3.4 yellow cards and 22.7 fouls per match.
FC Cincinnati Lineup Notes
Teenage Hadebe is out
FC Cincinnati Predicted Lineup
Like previous weeks, there are so many directions Noonan can go with this lineup.
I anticipate a couple changes from the San Diego lineup, with KMD up top, Dado in midfield and Bryan Ramírez at LWB. While Chirila is healthy, I still believe Noonan will opt for his veterans in the backline. Although, I imagine that Chirila will sub in for Robinson or even Miazga.
Deciding between KMD and Tom Barlow was tough, but I have to say, Barlow coming off the bench to seal a win (or tie) just sounds inevitable at this point, so I’m going with that.
Final Thoughts
I think I’m gonna say it: this match is approaching must-win territory for me.
Getting a win and ending this half-ish of a season on a high note will be great for the group. Obviously, plenty of changes are needed this summer to get back to trophy contention, but winning this match would do wonders for the vibes and my sanity.
I predict a 3-2 win over Disney World FC.
FC Cincinnati Predictions Against Orlando FC
The Chief: 3-3
Kevin: 2-2
Grayson: 3-1; Good guys
How to watch FC Cincinnati against Orlando City SC
FC Cincinnati are back at home Saturday to take on Orlando City SC. Kickoff from TQL Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. You can watch the match on Apple TV or by visiting our good friends atStreetside Brewery.
A special thank you to our supporters onPatreon and to our sponsors,E&L Roofing andStreetside Brewery for keeping the lights on.
Cover photo courtesy of FC Cincinnati.