Well, it is quite literally a restart for FC Cincinnati.
The Orange and Blue will play Atlanta United FC, New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew SC during the MLS is Back Tournament group stage, the league announced Thursday afternoon.
While the opponents are confirmed, the dates and kickoff times will be finalized in the coming days.
Here are the BODYARMOR takeaways from the drawing:
Play. Repeat.
Cincinnati has only played two regular-season matches in 2020. Two of its next three will be against the same teams.
After FCC opened the season at the New York Red Bulls and at Atlanta United FC, the club will play those two again during the MLS is Back Tournament.
While it’s a chance for revenge, it’s also an opportunity to see what lineups head coach Jaap Stam will deploy against the opponents. It’s worth noting that while he hasn’t met his squad in person yet, he has analyzed both Cincinnati matches this season – against these exact teams.
Maybe Stam sat in his home wondering what he would’ve done differently in those two games. Now, he gets to show it.
HELL IS REAL…Orlando edition
FC Cincinnati have a good track record against Columbus Crew SC in tournaments, right?
In addition to playing opponents FCC have already faced in 2020, now they’ll play their biggest rival in a neutral environment. It’s a high-stakes game, especially when it’s uncertain when the clubs will meet again in 2020.
Earlier this year, we all wondered if FC Cincinnati would play another game in 2020. Now, they’re weeks away from a derby match. Bring it.
What tactics will Stam use?
This might be the biggest question of all for Cincinnati down in Orlando.
In theory, now is the time for him to show players and coaches the tactics he wants to implement for the rest of 2020. This competition can be used as a natural springboard.
Or, maybe Stam goes into a more win-now mode that treats this tournament as its own entity, with less focus on the rest of the season. These are both reasonable – and compelling – options that don’t need an answer until the group stage begins.
The matches in the MLS is Back Tournament will count toward the final 2020 Eastern Conference standings. But if FCC can put together an impressive cup run, that could go a long way in determining how this team moves forward the rest of the year.
The stakes are higher for FCC now than before the drawing
Yes, every game matters for FC Cincinnati players and coaches. But there’s a lot more on the line for the club inside of Group E than if the Orange and Blue were paired with other opponents.
The team played and lost against two of the other teams, and won’t want to repeat that. Additionally, there’s the #HellisReal Derby bragging rights up for grabs.
Cincinnati want to send a message to MLS. Is there a better way to do it than get revenge and beat your rival?
