FC Cincinnati look to bounce back in front of the home fans in a weekend clash against Toronto FC. The Orange and Blue have faced Toronto once already this season, winning 2-0 in a road match played at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium.
With 13 matches to go in the regular season, Saturday’s clash against a Toronto team who have lost four straight matches looks to be a chance for FC Cincinnati to regain some form and get back into the hunt in a tight Eastern Conference.
HOW TO WATCH:
Local TV: Star64
Local Stream: fccincinnati.com
Out of Market: ESPN+
Radio: The Project – 100.7/106.3FM, iHeart Radio app
Talent: Tom Gelehrter (play-by-play), Kevin McCloskey (analyst), Alex Stec (sideline)
Be sure to follow @FCCincinnati on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates from the match.
SCOUTING TORONTO FC (3-13-6 – 15 pts – 14th, Eastern Conference)
Toronto FC have struggled in 2021, dealing with injuries to stars like Jozy Altidore and international call-ups to top scorer Jonathan Osorio. The squad has managed just three wins this season and sits last in the Eastern Conference.
FC Cincinnati’s 2-0 victory over Toronto was the club’s first victory over the Canadian foe. Toronto had won the previous three matchups.
STORYLINES TO WATCH
Yuya At The Top – Midfielder Yuya Kubo leads all Major League Soccer midfielders in successful tackles with 40 tackles won. He trails only Portland’s defender Claudio Bravo (41) for most in MLS.
Super Sub –Brandon Vázquez has been an impact player for Jaap Stam off the bench this season, making 19 appearances as a substitute in FC Cincy’s 21 matches so far this season. 19 appearances without a start is tied for the most in MLS History with Brian Ownby (HOU, 2014) and Jamil Walker (SJ, 2003).
Upcoming Milestones – Several milestones for FC Cincinnati players could be reached Saturday night at TQL Stadium. Nick Hagglund can reach 10,000 career MLS minutes by the 29th minute, and Yuya Kubo can hit 3,000 career minutes played by the 26’. If Haris Medunjanin starts it will be his 125th career MLS start, while Álvaro Barreal’s next nod in the Starting XI will be his 25th.
Salute To Service Night – FC Cincinnati will hold events to recognize and mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Fans can look for a specially designed 20th anniversary remembrance patch, which mirrors the patch worn by clubs following the attacks in the 2001/02 season. Other events to look for is a moment of silence before kickoff, halftime ceremonies and plenty of American flags!
