Earlier this week, Head Coach Ron Jans said he’d make noticeable changes to the FC Cincinnati starting lineup on Saturday night at FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. In his previous three matches, he’d only made one change.
Against Dallas, he’s made five.
About the starters
Leo Bertone, Greg Garza, Justin Hoyte, Emmanuel Ledesma and Kekuta Manneh replace Mathieu Deplagne, Derrick Etienne Jr., Andrew Gutman, Darren Mattocks and Caleb Stanko in the starting lineup.
Garza, who missed time with a calf injury, returns to the field for the first time since May 19 at Orlando City SC.
Bertone makes his first start for Cincinnati since July 21 when the Orange and Blue hosted the New England Revolution. That match against the Revs was also the last time Manneh started.
Hoyte, who hasn’t played since Aug. 3 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, makes his first appearance under Jans.
Ledesma had a second-half assist as a substitute last weekend, and he’ll return to the starting XI for the fifth time in six matches.
It’s worth noting Ulloa and Lamah, who both started last week, will start against their former club.
About the bench
Alashe is available for selection for the first time since he started June 22 against the LA Galaxy. He injured his hamstring minutes into the second half and hasn’t played since.
McCabe, another center midfielder, could make his fourth MLS appearance and first since July 28 against Toronto FC as he is also available on the bench.
Two other rookies – Rashawn Dally and Jimmy Hague – are looking for their seventh and first MLS appearances, respectively.
Both Derrick Etienne Jr. and Andrew Gutman started last week, while Nick Hagglund’s last appearance was July 21 against New England.
About the injuries
Frankie Amaya (groin), Spencer Richey (back) and Fanendo Adi (calf) and Deplagne (neck) are all unavailable in Frisco.
