Four days removed from their last match, FC Cincinnati return to the field on Wednesday night when they face the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.
These are the top storylines approaching the second meeting between the teams in two weeks:
Can FCC build off last match against Philly?
The Orange and Blue backline dominated when the teams last met on Sept. 23. Despite Philadelphia sitting second in the Eastern Conference standings, Cincinnati kept the Union from mustering a shot on target at Nippert Stadium in a scoreless draw.
It’s an unrealistic demand to expect Philly to not have a shot on target at Subaru Park, but can FCC produce another positive performance in the rematch?
“In the home game we did well, but now it’s totally a different situation,” head coach Jaap Stam said. “We’re trying to create something to have a result over there, which is not going to be easy … If we can play and everyone’s in the right mindset, we can do well. I’m sure of that.”
Brandon Vazquez said FCC are looking for a quick recovery following the 2-0 loss at Minnesota United FC this past Saturday.
“Right now, we’re looking to redeem ourselves,” Vazquez said. “We’re a little disappointed after the last match, but we know what we can bring to the field. I think we’re going to go out there, do the best we can and hopefully bring three points home.”
Stam on 4-3-3: “That’s what we want to do”
When the Dutchman made his coaching debut during the MLS is Back Tournament, he deployed Cincinnati in a 4-3-3. But after the defense leaked goals, the team installed a back five to limit opposing attacks, while also allowing the club to build possessions from the back.
The 4-3-3 returned against MNUFC, though, and Stam said it was a tactical decision to help Cincinnati’s attack convert scoring opportunities.
“I need to change that and go back to the 4-3-3 because at times you need to be more of a presence in front of goal,” he said. “We’ve done it and got there as well with opportunities that could’ve done better with scoring goals and winning games.”
Vazquez, who’s played both as a winger and as a second striker alongside Jürgen Locadia, said the formation makes Cincinnati more dangerous in front of the opposing goal.
“I think we created a lot of chances playing in that formation,” the striker said. “We’re building on that and looking forward to seeing what we can create in these next games coming up.”
Álvaro Barreal could debut Wednesday night
Stam said the Argentinean winger is available and will travel for Cincinnati’s mid-week match. Barreal, who signed from Vélez Sarsfield last month, could be a significant addition to a matchday squad lacking attacking options on the wing.
“He can join for the games,” Stam said of Barreal. “We’ve done everything in terms of protocol and he’s been in training sessions.”
If FCC continue implementing a 4-3-3 formation, it’s crucial the team can offer attacking options down both flanks.
The matchup with the Union could be the second time Cincinnati has a player earn an MLS debut in as many games. Kamohelo Mokotjo played the final minutes of the loss to Minnesota.
Nick Hagglund update
Stam said his center back, who tested positive for COVID-19, will return to training ahead of Saturday’s match against Toronto FC at Nippert Stadium.
“Nick is doing fine,” Stam said.
Hagglund spent five seasons in Toronto before joining Cincinnati last season.
Match Info
FC Cincinnati at Philadelphia Union
Kickoff: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Subaru Park (Chester, PA.)
Weather: 70 Degrees
TV: WSTR Star 64
In-Market Stream: www.fccincinnati.com
Out-of-Market Stream: ESPN+
Local Radio: WDJO 99.5 FM | 107.9 FM | 1480 AM
Audio Stream: TuneIn App, fccincinnati.com
Club Connections
- Haris Medunjanin made 98 appearances for the Philadelphia Union between 2017-19.
- Jimmy McLaughlin made three appearances for the Union between 2012-15.
- Nick Hagglund, Warren Creavalle and Joe Bendik were Toronto FC teammates in 2014 and 2015.
- Hassan Ndam and Aurelien Collin were in the New York Red Bulls organization together in 2017 and 2018.
- Greg Garza, Joseph-Claude Gyau and Caleb Stanko have all played for the USMNT alongside Alejandro Bedoya. Garza, Gyau and Bedoya also represented the country in the same match on two occasions in 2014 (the two occasions Gyau played with Bedoya). Overall, Garza and Bedoya played together seven times, while Stanko and Bedoya were teammates once in 2016.
