With a frustrating result after a solid performance in the rearview mirror, FC Cincinnati prepares to take on Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium in a match day 24-road match.
FC Cincinnati looks to further increase their MLS Supporters’ Shield, leading 44 points, whereas the hosts continue to battle for playoff position as they find themselves on the outside looking in on the Eastern Conference playoff positions.
“(Charlotte FC) have technical players that within a system have specific assignments and how they move and change their shape (can) cause teams problems,” FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said of his next opponent, “They compete in every game they play. That’s always a sign of a team that has belief…and works for each other and works for the coach.”
The Orange and Blue are looking for their first-ever road win in Charlotte, losing their lone other game in North Carolina 2-0 last season.
With a draw and a loss in their previous two matches, FCC is looking to avoid going three consecutive games without a win for the first time this season. But the two results leading into the Saturday fixture are not top of mind for the club in training.
“I thought we played a strong game against a good opponent.” Noonan said of the performance versus New England, “So this week, we assess that game, put it past us and then try to have a similar week of preparation that we did, leading up to that because I thought that was one of our strongest weeks.”
FC Cincinnati is nearly back to full strength as Júnior Moreno rejoined the team and fully participated in training this week. Sergio Santos has also returned to full team training. However, he did play in last Saturday’s draw with New England, and Noonan has been encouraged by his progress. Striker Dominique Badji, who scored his first brace with FCC last Saturday, has been listed as questionable with a leg injury.
Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga remain away from the club as they try to help the USMNT win the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup. The USMNT plays this Sunday at TQL Stadium against Canada in the quarterfinals; Noonan has indicated he intended to be in attendance to support his players.
FC CINCINNATI at Charlotte FC – SATURDAY, July, 8, 2023 – 7:30 p.m. ET – Bank of America Stadium
Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
This match will stream for free
TV Talent (English): Jenn Hildreth (PxP), Lori Lindsey (Analyst)
TV Talent (Spanish): Diego Pessolano (PxP), Walter Roque (Analyst)
Radio: ESPN 1530
Radio Talent: Tom Gelehrter (play-by-play), Jeff Larentowicz (Analyst)
ALL-TIME SERIESSaturday’s match will mark the third all-time matchup between FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC, with a 1-1-0 record. With CLT FC making their MLS debut last season, each team won their home match, with FCC winning 2-0 at TQL Stadium and losing 2-0 on the road at Bank of America Stadium. In the most recent game, Luciano Acosta and Nick Hagglund scored a goal a piece to secure the Orange and Blue’s first-ever win over the newest (at the time) member of MLS.
FC CINCINNATI NOTESInauguration – FC Cincinnati sit top of the Supporters’ Shield table with 44 points through 20 games. The Orange and Blue are looking to get back to winning ways after dropping points in their two most recent matches. FCC have not gone three games without a win this season.
The Crown Jewel – Luciano Acosta is the only active MLS player with 50 or more career goals and 70 or more career assists. The FCC captain has tallied a goal or an assist in six of the last seven matches across all competitions.
The Roman Wall – Roman Celentano has been a brick wall, making a save in all but one MLS match played this season. With 62 saves this season, Celentano ranks seventh in the league in total saves and with 9 clean sheets he ranks second behind only Seattle Sounders FC’s Stefan Frei.
Platinum Jubilee – Álvaro Barreal is set to make his 100th appearance for the Orange and Blue across all competitions. Since joining the club in 2020, Barreal has made 75 starts in MLS and contributed to 27 goals.
Caution! – Charlotte FC have been reckless this year, earning a league high 58 yellow cards in 21 matches. Charlotte is one of only six clubs though to not earn a red card this season.
Physicality – Obinna Nwobodo is third in tackles this season in MLS with 38, trailing Mark-Anthothy Kaye of Toronto FC by 14 despite playing two fewer games. With seven yellow cards this season, Nwobodo is one more card away from needing to sit out a match due to yellow card accumulation.
SCOUTING CHARLOTTE (6-8-7, 25 PTS., 10th EASTERN CONFERENCE)Charlotte FC comes into the weekend fixture with FC Cincinnati having earned draws in their last four matches but is winless in their last six dating back to a May 27, 1-0 win over L.A. Galaxy. Entering play, Charlotte is one point back of the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
After a short week, playing NYCFC to a 1-1 draw Wednesday evening at Citi Field, Charlotte will only have three days to prepare for the weekend match. McKenzie Gaines scored his first goal of the season in the 17th minute to take an early lead.
Polish striker Karol Swiderski leads the Charlotte attack, leading the team in starts (17), goals (5), and assists (3). English midfielder Ashley Westwood wears the armband for CLTFC as team captain and is tied for first on the club in assists with four.
Goalkeeper is a job done by a committee for Charlotte FC. While Kristijan Kahlina mans the box more than anyone else, starting 11 games, Raleigh, N.C. native George Marks has started seven, and Pablo Sisniega has started three. Kahlina, a Croatian national, started their most recent match in New York.
Christian Lattanzio leads Charlotte FC and is in his second year as head coach after taking over midway through CLT FC’s inaugural season. Since taking over on May 31, 2022, Lattanzio owns a 16-19-9 record over 44 games. The Italian gaffer coached at Manchester City, NYCFC, and OGC Nice before being named head coach in Charlotte.
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