That wait is over.
FC Cincinnati’s second season in MLS begins Sunday afternoon when they face the New York Red Bulls at 1 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of kickoff.
New year, new season, new opportunities
Expect the nine-man Orange and Blue lineup that earned a 0-0 draw in last year’s finale to look noticeably different from the starting XI in Red Bulls Arena.
FCC enter 2020 after an offseason of sweeping changes. Eleven new players are on the roster, in addition to two new Designated Players. In fact, only two players who scored more than once last year – Kekuta Manneh and Allan Cruz – are still on the roster.
“There’s a lot excitement from the players and the staff to finally get back on the field and get back to work together,” interim head coach Yoann Damet said. “A lot of excitement this week, but a lot of focus as well preparing for that game, and we’re looking forward to the game this week.”
Damet is back in charge as the team’s interim head coach after Ron Jans resigned earlier this month.
Still only 29, the Frenchman was the youngest head coach in MLS history last May when he began his first stint as Cincinnati’s interim leader.
Sunday begins a tough stretch of matches
When the club’s inaugural 2019 schedule was first unveiled, the initial takeaway was how brutal FCC’s MLS start would be. In their first 10 games, eight were against teams who made the playoffs the previous season.
The 2020 opening stretch isn’t any easier.
Beginning Sunday and stretching until April 11, the first six matches are against teams who played in the 2019 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. FCC will play Atlanta United FC twice during that stretch.
The difficult introduction into the season serves as a reminder that this campaign should be viewed as a marathon, not a quick sprint.
RBNY vs. FCC provides an interesting match tactically
Since Damet assumed the team last May, the Orange and Blue have been implementing a possession-based system, save for a few games to close to the 2019 season. Over preseason – and with the recent roster additions – the build-from-the-back mentality as deepened and now has a four-pronged attack with the forward, wingers and an attacking midfielder.
It’d be interesting to see how Cincinnati looks against any opponent, but it’s especially intriguing considering New York’s traditional playing style: a fast-pace high press that can be relentless and clinical.
“Every game is going to be a challenge for us,” Damet said. “It’s a tough start to the season going to New York, playing against a team that has a strong identity, as well. We expect a tough game, but we’ve prepared for that. We’ve had a long preseason to implement our game plan and our playing style. I think we will be ready.”
Match Info
FC Cincinnati at New York Red Bulls
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Where: Red Bull Arena
Weather Forecast: Sunny, 41 degrees
TV: WSTR Star 64
Local Video Stream: FloFC
Out-of-Market Stream: 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
The big question about Locadia is, “Will he or won’t he?” As of Friday morning, Locadia still had not returned to Cincinnati with a work visa. The team departs for New York on Saturday afternoon. So, will the club’s biggest offseason signing be available on Sunday? One thing’s for sure, Locadia has the resume to make a splash the very first time he takes the field.
Opponent’s Player to Watch: Cristian Casseres Jr.
A first glance says Daniel Royer (11 goals in 32 games) is New York’s player to watch, but it’ll be Cristian Casseres Jr. who’s the most intriguing.
The Venezuelan midfielder is only 20 years old but he’s been a professional for five seasons and will play in the heartbeat of RBNY’s midfield. In 2019, he produced three goals and four assists across 23 games.
When Tyler Adams left New York for RB Leipzig in 2019, that left a massive gap for the MLS club to fill. This isn’t to say that Casseres Jr., is the replacement, but he’s certainly the guy who looks primed for a breakout campaign.
Club Connections
- Joseph-Claude Gyau and Marc Rzatkowski played together for St. Pauli in 2013.
- Caleb Stanko and Amro Tarek played for SC Freiburg in 2012
- When Tim Parker played for Vancouver Whitecaps FC from 2015-17, he was in the organization with Kekuta Manneh, Spencer Richey and Kendall Waston.
