FC Cincinnati’s lineup against Atlanta United FC is here. Here’s the starting XI:
The club will use a 4-2-3-1 formation for the second-straight week. The first time was last Saturday’s 4-1 loss at Seattle Sounders FC.
Three changes to the lineup
Head Coach Alan Koch made three changes to the lineup following last week.
Spencer Richey replaces Przemysław Tytoń in goal, while Kekuta Manneh and Allan Cruz replace Corben Bone and Eric Alexander in the midfield.
Manneh was a substitute last week, while Richey was an unused sub. Cruz traveled but didn’t dress.
Richey starts in goal
Richey makes his first MLS start since March 18, 2017. It was his only appearance in the league.
Tytoń didn’t practice the last few days and per Koch, is out for the next 7-10 days to rest up a nagging hamstring tendinitis issue that he’s been dealing with for the entirety of preseason so far. Giving him complete rest now will allow the issue to calm down and allow him to resume the season at full-strength.
Tytoń started for Cincinnati last week and tied for a league-best five saves.
Richey played on loan at FC Cincinnati last season from Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He made 14 regular-season appearances, posting an 11-1-2 record with a 1.29 goals against average.
Rookie Jimmy Hague is FCC’s backup keeper against Atlanta.
Cruz makes FCC debut
Allan Cruz, Cincinnati’s Young Designated Player, makes his MLS debut. Cruz traveled to Seattle last weekend but didn’t make the starting lineup or bench.
Cruz made six preseason appearances and played for the Costa Rica National Team against the U.S. Men’s National Team in preseason. Cruz has seven caps with Los Ticos.
Before FCC, he helped Herediano win the 2018-19 Liga FPD winter season. He made 27 appearances.
Garza, Saief headline bench
Greg Garza could make his first appearance for FC Cincinnati after missing preseason and the Seattle match with a quad injury. If he plays, he’ll become the first FCC player to face his former club. He played with ATLUTD in 2017 and 2018.
Garza is an option at left back, where Mathieu Deplagne starts again. Before Seattle, Deplagne had not started in his career as a left back — only right or center back.
New acquisition Kenny Saief could also feature for Cincinnati after joining from RSC Anderlecht on loan. Saief can play as a defender or midfielder.
Koch said both were only medically cleared to play 30 minutes Sunday night.
