FC Cincinnati 2 square off against New York City FC II on Sept. 14 in a midweek battle at Scudamore Field at NKU. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Wednesday’s encounter is the last match at home before the Orange and Blue wrap up the MLS NEXT Pro season on Sunday against Columbus Crew 2 at Historic Crew Stadium.
MATCH INFORMATION
FC Cincinnati 2 vs New York City FC II
Date: September 14, 2022*
Competition: MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season
Site: Scudamore Field at NKU
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
Stream:* MLSNEXTPro.com
SEASON SERIES
July 2, 2022 – Belson Stadium - NYCFC (5:1) CIN
NYCFC – J. Denis (3’, 4’), P. Elias (16’), J. Jimenez (18’), J. Gómez (71’)
CIN – A. Akindele (56’)
LATEST RESULTS
Cincinnati played to a 2-0 home loss against Chicago Fire FC II on Sunday. The Orange and Blue dominated the first half of play but allowed two second-half goals to see the visitors leave with three points. Omari Glasgow and Missael Rodríguez found the back of the net for the Fire.
New York City FC II earned two points against New England Revolution II last Saturday. The match finished 0-0 with NYCFC II winning the shootout, 4-2. NYCFC II converted on four straight penalties while goalkeeper Maxwell Weinstein made two saves to deny the Revs takers.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
New York City FC sit seventh in the Eastern Conference table, five points behind fourth-place Philadelphia Union II. NYCFC II have struggled of late and are winless over their last seven. The Pigeons hold a 4-4-2 road record but have been shut out in their previous two away trips.
The biggest question heading into the match for New York City FC II is which side will show at Scudamore Field Wednesday afternoon? The team that put seven past Orlando City B earlier in the year, or the side that conceded five against Chicago Fire II a few weeks ago?
NYCFC II have been in an offensive rut scoring just one goal in their last five matches. Despite their offensive struggles, NYCFC will be confident against the Orange and Blue having scored five goals against the 2’s earlier this year.
New York City FC II need a win Wednesday to keep their playoff hopes alive. A loss in regulation or in a shootout would see NYCFC II eliminated from playoff contention.
WHO/WHAT TO WATCH
MORGAN MARSHALL – Morgan Marshall was one of the more dangerous attacking players for the Orange and Blue against Chicago on Sunday. Marshall finished the match with four key passes, a match-high, and is second on the team in assists (3). NYCFC have question marks on the backline and Marshall’s attacking abilities will pressure the visitors on Wednesday.
JOHN DENIS – John Denis, NYCFC II’s leading goal scorer, should lead the attacking line for a New York side desperate for a win. Denis has scored a whopping 15 goals in 17 appearances but hasn’t featured since July 27th. The forward was available for selection last week but was an unused substitute against New England. NYCFC II are unbeaten (6-0-3) when Denis scores but have struggled (2-5-1) when he’s failed to find the back of the net.
BUSY FINAL WEEK – FCC 2 play their second match in a four-day span when NYCFC II comes to town. The Orange and Blue wrap up their season against Columbus on Sept. 18 in what will be the team’s third match in eight days.
SHOTS - Sunday marked the first time this season that FCC 2 have outshot their opponents at home. The Orange and Blue looked dangerous in attack tallying 15 first-half attempts and finishing with 20 total shots. Arquimides Ordónez led the team in shots (4) followed by Zico Bailey and Calvin Harris (3).
MIDWEEK MANIA – FCC 2’s midweek tie with NYCFC II will be the first Wednesday match of the season for the Orange and Blue. FCC 2 have played two-weekday matches this year (July 22 @ Rochester NY FC, Aug. 29 @ ORL) going 1-0-1 and earning five points.
MILESTONES – Sunday’s match saw season marks set for a number of FCC 2 players. Morgan Marshall made his 20th appearance of the year, all starts, while Jordi Govea made his debut for the 2’s after signing with the club in August. Nick Markanich eclipsed the 1000-minute mark following his fifth straight start for the Orange and Blue.
ABOUT FC CINCINNATI 2
FC Cincinnati 2 began play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2022. FCC 2 is designed to serve as the bridge between the FCC first team and the Academy and is a professional pathway for players to grow and develop at FC Cincinnati. The club plays its matches at Scudamore Field at NKU, Mercy Health Training Center and TQL Stadium.
ABOUT MLS NEXT PRO
Launched in March 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway. With 21 Clubs competing during the inaugural season – 20 MLS-affiliated and one independent club, Rochester New York FC – MLS NEXT Pro is growing the game through innovation and diversity by bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. Seven MLS-affiliated clubs will join MLS NEXT Pro in 2023, pending sanctioning by the U.S. Soccer Federation: Atlanta United, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club, Nashville Soccer Club and New York Red Bulls. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead. Beginning in 2023, MLS NEXT Pro matches will be streamed live on the Apple TV app as part of the monumental partnership between Apple and Major League Soccer. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.
