The first matchup between the Queen Cities will feature two teams that are feeling confident, with both squads fresh off 3 – 1 wins in the previous weekend. FC Cincinnati is trying to make it three wins in a row, while Charlotte FC has the potential to win back-to-back home games to keep the momentum going.
Here are the three ingredients of the match to keep an eye on against FC Cincinnati.
Run it Back
Charlotte FC is coming off their first win in history, a massive confidence boost for the team going into the match against Cincinnati. But now that the team has won, the next step is continuing to win.
The team has shown it can compete in every match up to this point and was finally rewarded with a win. Now it’s a matter of striving for consistency and continuing to win – one of the hardest things to do in soccer.
“What I’m trying to tell the boys before every game, throughout the week, that the only way we can succeed is if we can consistently show the performance and desire in trainings and in games," said Charlotte FC defender and captain Christian Fuchs, “This consistency will eventually turn the games in our favor.”
Last Saturday’s performance was probably the most consistent 90 minutes the team has had thus far and uncoincidentally was rewarded with a win. CLTFC has an excellent opportunity to run it back and earn back-to-back wins with another home match this weekend.
Next Man Up
Due to international team duty, Charlotte FC will be without two key players in midfielder Alan Franco and defender Christian Makoun. Both have played pivotal roles throughout the season and shined in the team's recent win against the New England Revolution.
In the MLS regular season, it is generally the deepest teams that end up making playoffs. FCC will be an early test of the team's depth and a chance for the next man up to shine.
The midfield and defense are areas that Charlotte has plenty of options to choose from. To replace Franco in the midfield, Ramirez has the likes of Sergio Ruiz, Derrick Jones, and Jordy Alcívar for selection. And for center-backs, he has the left-footed Jan Sobociñski, MLS-experienced Anton Walkes, or even the option to shift Christian Fuchs back into the center of the defense.
Of course, the selections will be based on whatever formation and system Ramírez opts to go with against FCC. But regardless of who gets the nod to start, they’ll need to be ready to make an immediate impact.
Don’t Sleep on Cincinnati
Unfortunately for Cincinnati, they have built a "perpetual wooden spoon winner" reputation in their opening years in MLS. Naturally, that's where finishing last in the Eastern Conference in every one of your MLS seasons gets you.
However, FCC seems to be shedding its wooden spoon reputation this season. Under their new head coach, Pat Noonan, Cincinnati has a clear identity and structure that helps optimize its roster.
Benefiting the most from the new system has been striker Brandon Vazquez, who has four goals and one assist in the first four games of the season. He’s one of the game changers that Charlotte will have to keep an eye on, in addition to attacking midfielder Luciano Acosta, who can create moments of magic.
This Cincinnati team is well drilled and has players who can make the difference in a match; underestimating them would be a big mistake.
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