For just the fourth time since 2016 two top of the table clubs will meet in matchweek 19 or later as second place New England Revolution come to TQL Stadium for a clash with league leading FC Cincinnati Saturday night.
FC Cincinnati will also be aiming to make history as they look to defend their home grounds once again and earn their 11th consecutive win at home. The 11th win would set the record for longest home winning streak at home as well as the longest single-season home winning streak in MLS history.
The matchup between MLS’ top two teams is amplified by both clubs' recent run of form. FC Cincinnati have earned points in five of their last six league matches, winning four of them. The visiting New England Revolution have secured points in each of their last six MLS matches, winning their last three.
“If you just take where both teams are at right now and the importance of fighting for the playoffs and playoff positioning…it has more implications.” FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said after training at MHTC Thursday, “(It is) a great test for us, coming off a disappointing performance and result to see how we rebound…and get a better result”
The Orange and Blue have struggled historically against the Revs, only earning points in three of eight matchups and never beating them at home. Led by former USMNT head coach Bruce Arena, the Revs are one of the more complete teams in the league.
“It's just a team that's aggressive in how they get to the goal and that causes problems.” Noonan said of the visiting side, “I think they have good individual quality and smart players that understand how to bring up plays and transition…Just a well balanced team
“I’ve been really pleased with the week of preparation. The focus…It's been a good week of training and trying to understand what we're going to see how the game is going to play. I’ve been really pleased with the three days of training.”
FC CINCINNATI at New England Revolution – SATURDAY, July, 1, 2023 – 7:30 p.m. ET – TQL Stadium
Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV TV Talent (English): Jake Zivin (PXP) & Taylor Twellman (Analysis)
TV Talent (Spanish): Oscar Salazar (PXP) & Carlos Ruiz (Analysis)
Radio: ESPN 1530, Sirius XM 157
Radio Talent: Tom Gelehrter (play-by-play), Kevin McCloskey (analyst)
Stay Hydrated
Due to anticipated hot temperatures, each fan through the gates will be permitted to bring one (1) sealed, non-refillable clear water bottle into TQL Stadium
ALL-TIME SERIES
Saturday’s match will mark the ninth all-time matchup, across all competitions, between FC Cincinnati and the New England Revolution. FCC has had bad blood with the Revs, as New leads the all-time series 5-1-2. The last time FC Cincinnati took points from the Revs was in their most recent tie with the MLS charter organization, taking a 1-1 draw at New England’s Gillette Stadium. It was only the third time FCC has taken points from New England. The Orange and Blue have not beaten New England since 2019, and have never beaten the Revs at home.
FC CINCINNATI NOTES
The Story of Us – With 10 consecutive wins at home, FC Cincinnati are looking to make history by becoming the first team to win 11 games in a row at home to start the season, and set the longest home winning streak in MLS history.
Invisible String – Yerson Mosquera has returned to the team after an extended stay abroad due to international duty. Mosquera has been playing as though the ball has been on an invisible string, completing 762 passes this season, second on the team beyond Matt Miazga.
Begin Again – After having their 14 game undefeated streak across all competitions snapped Saturday, The Orange and Blue will look to get back to their winning ways. 10 of the 14 games in the undefeated streak came in league play, going 8-0-2 in that span. Under Pat Noonan, FC Cincinnati has only lost consecutive games three times in MLS play (Feb. 26/2022-March. 5/2022, March. 26/2022-April 2/2022, May. 21/2022-May. 28/2022).
(All) Stars Spelling Out Their Names – FCC midfielders Luciano Acosta, Álvaro Barreal and defender Matt Miazga were named MLS All-Stars earlier this week. All three were among the 12 players voted into the game in the fan, media and player vote. The nod is Acosta’s second after being named to the team last season and becoming the first player in FC Cincinnati history to be named to the team. It is Barreal and Miazga’s first selection.
CLEAN – FC Cincinnati Roman Celentano has had 9 clean sheets, the most in a single-season by an FCC goalkeeper . The keeper's 14 career clean sheets for FC Cincinnati is also the most in franchise history (MLS). With a clean sheet Saturday, Celentano would tie Stefan Frei for most in MLS this season.
Our Country, United We Stand – Saturday will be FC Cincinnati’s “Salute to Service” celebration, honoring local first responders and military personnel. The celebration has taken place annually since 2019.
FCC defender, and third round pick from the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, London Aghedo is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Aghedo studied logistics as a Cadet and signed a first deal with the Orange and Blue on June 7, 2023 after graduation from the Academy.
SCOUTING NEW ENGLAND (10-3-6, 23 PTS., 2ND EASTERN CONFERENCE)
The New England Revolution came into the Saturday night match with FCC as hot as any team in MLS, winning each of its last three matches and undefeated in its last six. The Revs have rocketed up the standings, earning points in 13 of their last 15 matches.
In their last outing, New England came from behind to beat Toronto FC 2-1 on their home turf. After conceding the opener to TFC in the 10th minute, Bobby Wood flicked home the equalizer in the 33rd minute and Giacomo Vrioni secured the game winner in the 52nd minute.
Spanish midfielder Carles Gil along with the aforementioned Wood lead the New England attack, each netting a team leading seven goals a piece. Gil has also added nine assists, tied for the most in MLS.
Djordje Petrovic mans the metal for the Revs, starting 18 of 19 games as goalkeeper for New England. The Serbian 23-year-old has earned six clean sheets this season and has tallied 75 saves this season, second most in the league behind St. Louis’ Roman Burki.
The most decorated coach in league history, Bruce Arena serves as the New England Revolution head coach. With five MLS Cup titles, Arena has more championships than any head coach in league history. After taking over the club in 2019, Arena led the Revs to their first ever Supporters’ Shield title in 2021 with 73 points.
