Since Yoann Damet became FC Cincinnati’s interim head coach, there’s no doubt he’s implemented his preferred style and tactics.
The last four matches have seen a possession-based approach that works forward from the backline.
In that regard, the tactics are working. The problem, however, is the improvement hasn’t been visible in the Eastern Conference standings.
FCC have a win and three losses since Damet became the youngest head coach in MLS history. That win came in his first match. But despite the losses, the Orange and Blue have also continued improving in each match.
Rather than resembling a club searching for results by using a whatever-works approach, Cincinnati has a system and it’s trying to grow through it – through good or bad score lines. This isn’t out of blind optimism; it’s backed by belief.
“It’s all about confidence,” Damet said. “I want to give them that confidence. I believe in the group. I know what they are capable of and that’s the message I try to deliver every single day.”
That message is seeping into play.
In the club’s last match – a 3-1 loss at the Colorado Rapids – FC Cincinnati out-passed and out-possessed the Rapids by significant totals. But in the final third, the home side created more and ultimately claimed three points.
What’s important for FC Cincinnati now is to keep building off their current foundation – and to produce in the final third.
“We have the chances,” Damet said. “Luck is going to turn for us and we’re going to score these opportunities we create to get a point or three points.
“It’s just about being patient, keeping the same mentality, being strong, learning from our mistakes, keep working hard and be willing to implement that style.
Match Info
FC Cincinnati at New York City FC
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Where: Yankee Stadium
Weather Forecast: Sunny, 80 degrees
TV: WSTR Star64
Local Video Stream: FloFC
Out-of-Market Video Steam: ESPN+
Local Radio: WDJO (99.5 FM | 107.9 FM | 1480 AM)
Audio Stream: TuneIn App, fccincinnati.com
Player to Watch and his Health Carousel Player Resume
Opponent’s Player to Watch: Midfielder Maxi Moralez
Moralez has two goals and six assists though 11 appearances so far this season. The Argentinean No. 10 has either scored or provided an assist in his last four matches.
Club Connections:
- Eric Alexander and Sebastien Ibeagha played for the Houston Dynamo in 2016.
- Frankie Amaya and Juan Pablo Torres have played together on the U.S. Under-20 National Team.
