When FC Cincinnati played the LA Galaxy last Saturday at Nippert Stadium, the match marked a dubious notable: the first time FCC couldn’t field a full 18 for a league match. Interim Head Coach Yoann Damet had 17 available players to choose from.
This week, Damet only has 16 against Minnesota United FC.
Thanks to injuries, international duty and Leo Bertone’s one-game suspension for yellow-card accumulation, the Orange and Blue will only have five subs, which is tied for their fewest for a match across all competitions in team history.
About the starters
Damet made two changes to the lineup taking the field today – both out of necessity.
Caleb Stanko replaces Fatai Alashe at right back after Alashe injured his hamstring in the second half against the Galaxy. Alashe is out for the game against MNUFC.
Eric Alexander replaces Bertone, who picked up his fifth yellow card this season against LA and is unavailable.
About the bench
Logan Gdula is on the bench for the first time in MLS after being recalled from his loan at the Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship. If the rookie logs minutes in Minnesota, they’ll be his first for the Orange and Blue in MLS. Additionally, Tommy McCabe awaits his MLS debut.
About the absences
Bertone (suspension) and Alashe (hamstring) are the only changes from last week's already limited pool of players for Damet to select from.
Fanendo Adi is out after sustaining a hamstring injury against Saint Louis FC on Wednesday night in Open Cup play. Roland Lamah (hamstring) and Greg Garza (calf) are also unavailable. Jimmy McLaughlin (knee) has been ruled out of playing in 2019.
FCC have four players away on international duty during the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup: Allan Cruz (Costa Rica), Kendall Waston (Costa Rica), Darren Mattocks (Jamaica) and Alvas Powell (Jamaica).
