FCC to conclude six-match USL homestand against third-place Battery
FC Cincinnati (14-3-6, 48 pts.) will conclude the club’s six-match USL homestand this weekend as the Charleston Battery (11-3-10, 43 pts.) come to town. The Orange and Blue are in the midst of a club-record 12-match unbeaten streak and will look to maintain their lead atop the USL Eastern Conference table.
Saturday’s match is set for 7:30 p.m. at Nippert Stadium and will be televised on WSTR 64, streamed on ESPN+, and available on the radio at 1360 WSAI AM.
While Cincinnati has the USL’s current longest unbeaten streak, Charleston has won or drawn in 11 consecutive matches. Most recently, the Battery defeated Atlanta United 2, 1-0, at MUSC Health Stadium on Aug. 11. Could Saturday’s match between two of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference be a potential USL Cup Playoffs preview?
“I think people will probably say that, because it is a top-of-the-table type game,” midfielder Corben Bone said. “But then again, it is just another game for three points to kind of push ourselves and keep us towards the top of the table. I think potentially it is a team that we will find in the playoffs.”
With Cincinnati and Charleston near the top of the table two-thirds of the way into the season, Cincinnati head coach Alan Koch is aware of the importance of this late-season matchup.
“You definitely do have heightened senses because games like this aren’t just three-point games; they’re six-point games,” Koch said “So, we know we need to have a good week of training and then obviously go out and put in a better performance on Saturday and hopefully that will lead to a good result.”
The two sides last met in the first weekend of regular season play on March 17 at MUSC Health Stadium. The Orange and Blue won that contest, 1-0, with Blake Smith scoring the game-winner, his first goal as an FC Cincinnati player.
With FC Cincinnati currently atop the USL Eastern Conference table, Smith is expecting a strong test from Charleston on Saturday.
“We’re on top of the table and it’s not going to be an easy game, because everybody that comes here has something to prove … It’s never an easy game for us, because everybody comes here and they’re very up for the game.”
Saturday’s match will feature the past two winners of USL Player of the Month: FC Cincinnati’s Emmanuel Ledesma (June) and Charleston’s Ataulla Guerra (July). Among all USL players, Ledesma is currently tied for ninth in goals (10) and tied for first in assists (10). Guerra has had a career year in terms of goal-scoring prowess. The Trinidad and Tobago international has tallied a career-high 13 goals, tied for fourth-most in USL.
In addition, both teams have had strong performances from their backlines this season. Cincinnati has recorded 10 shutouts, while Charleston has kept 12 clean sheets. Forrest Lasso – a former Charleston Battery player – has been a key part of FC Cincinnati’s resolute defense this season.
Saturday’s match will be just the second time Lasso will play against his former team, however his focus remains on the result.
“You always get excited when you play, every game you’re living a dream, so any time you get to play it’s pretty special,” Lasso said. “Whether it’s Charleston or someone else, it’s still a big three points.”
Saturday’s contest could feature one or two FC Cincinnati debuts. Midfielder Fatai Alashe and defender Pa Konate have yet to make an appearance for FCC, however, both players are eligible to be available for selection.
Tickets for Saturday’s match remain available online at fccincinnati.com and by phone at 513-977-KICK.
