In his first match as FC Cincinnati’s head coach, Ron Jans made one alteration from last week’s starting XI ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium.
About the starters
Andrew Gutman makes his MLS and FCC debut in replacement of Justin Hoyte in the starting lineup. Here’s a look at the 18 ahead of the first-ever #HellisReal Derby meeting in league play:
About the bench
Derrick Etienne Jr. and Joseph-Claude Gyau are both on the bench for the first time after joining Cincinnati on MLS transfer deadline day. Gyau practiced with the team on Thursday and Friday, while Etienne Jr. arrived in the Queen City early Friday morning and trained then.
Additionally, three rookies are on the bench: Rashawn Dally, Jimmy Hauge and Tommy McCabe. They’re joined by Hoyte and Hagglund. The latter played in Crew SC’s youth academy growing up.
About the absences
Originally part of the travel party, No. 1 SuperDraft pick Frankie Amaya didn’t travel after picking up a groin injury on Friday morning during training. Fanendo Adi (calf), Fatai Alashe (hamstring), Greg Garza (calf), Kekuta Manneh (shoulder) and Spencer Richey (back) also didn’t make the trip. Manneh’s nursing a slight knock that he’s been playing through, and remained in Cincinnati for precautionary reasons, while the two newly-signed wingers made the 18.
Leo Bertone is serving a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation.
