Prediction, preview for MLS Cup playoff rematch between FC Cincinnati, Philadelphia Union
The early-season meeting this weekend between FC Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union might not end up being quite the MLS Cup playoff preview some might have hoped it would be.
A bet on Cincinnati and the Union to meet at some point in the postseason would still be a wise one but that's too far in the future for both clubs.
The one storyline that seems to agree with the narrative of both clubs is the need for an improved performance as they prepare to meet Saturday at TQL Stadium (7:30 p.m.).
Philadelphia's had a slow, frustrating start to the 2023 Major League Soccer season but is still widely viewed as a top side in the Eastern Conference.
The club's 2-3-1 record through six matches diverges sharply from where the club was expected to be results-wise, though.
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Philadelphia is one of the few elite MLS clubs already balancing a congested schedule. That's something every team will be dealing with in the coming weeks as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup sees MLS clubs enter the competition. But the Union will have that, their regular season and their CONCACAF Champions League campaigns to balance.
On Tuesday, Philadelphia saw its roster taxed in a physical, 1-0 victory against Atlas of Mexico at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. A decisive second-leg game against Atlas awaits next week.
FC Cincinnati is in the process of proving its run to the MLS Cup playoffs last year was no fluke as they lead the east through six games. But its body of work, while impressive, is admittedly small. Also, last weekend's 1-0 victory against Inter Miami CF left much to be desired.
The Union will break out of their early-season funk eventually. FC Cincinnati is merely trying to extend Philadelphia's slump one additional week.
"They can very easily snap out of it," coach Pat Noonan said during a Thursday news conference. "I've been with that group long enough to know. I thought they had a strong performance against Atlas (on Tuesday). Despite maybe the goal differential in the game, you know, and obviously, being up a man for 45 minutes changes some things, but I thought they were the stronger side and looked really dangerous. They had a couple guys they rotated. Not sure what that's going to look like based on some strong performances. But I think despite those rotations, whatever team they field against us will be strong. And by no means can we look at the record and think that it's going to be any different than it has been in the past or with a group that understands how to win.
"We know it's going to be a very tough matchup regardless of who's on the field. And winning helps. And they just won their last game and against a good opponent. So, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be confident going into the game."
Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, who in 2022 was an MLS Best XI honoree, has been back in net for several matches after sustaining an injury in March.
Daniel Gazdag, who scored the game-winner Tuesday against Atlas, leads the Union with four goals in all competitions.
Cincinnati's best trait through six matches is its defense as the club's allowed just four goals on the season. Three of those came in one match, too.
The stout defending has anchored the team at a time when FCC's attack has been consistent but not as overwhelming as it was in 2022 when it scored the fourth-most goals in MLS.
For Noonan, the biggest difference about the Union of today and the one pundits swooned over this past winter is simply the results the club's had.
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"Probably the biggest difference is where they are in the table. We've been accustomed to seeing them at the top for years now," Noonan said. "And the results have been probably the biggest difference because when you watch the games and how they play and their strengths, I don't see a ton outside of those results, and maybe some missed opportunities, similar to ourselves, in finishing off plays, where you lose the opportunity to get momentum in games. That's probably the biggest difference. But it's still a very strong team with a lot of the same personnel. Same coach, same staff, so there's not there's not too much different there other than where they are in the standings. So that's why we don't look too much at that, we know the strengths of the team we're about to face and the challenges and the fact that we need to be at our best if we want to get a result."
The Game
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., Saturday | TQL Stadium
Stream/radio: Apple TV; ESPN1530
Series info: Philadelphia leads the all-time series against Cincinnati with six wins, two ties and one loss (6-1-2).
Cincinnati.com prediction: FC Cincinnati 2, Philadelphia Union 1.
FC Cincinnati
Record: 4-0-2; 14 points, First in MLS Eastern Conference.
Goals for: Eight
Goals against: Four
Coach: Pat Noonan – second season at FC Cincinnati
Projected starting lineup:
Roman Celentano, goalkeeper
Santiago Arias, right back
Nick Hagglund, center back
Matt Miazga, center back
Yerson Mosquera, center back
Alvaro Barreal, left back
Marco Angulo, midfielder
Junior Moreno, midfielder
Brandon Vazquez, forward
Brenner Souza da SIlva
Philadelphia Union
Record: 2-3-1; Seven points, Eighth in MLS Eastern Conference.
Goals for: Eight
Goals against: Eight
Coach: Jim Curtin – 11th overall season at Philadelphia Union
Projected starting XI:
Andre Blake, goalkeeper
Nathan Harriel, right back
Jakob Glesnes, center back
Jack Elliott, center back
Matthew Real, left back
Alejandro Bedoya, midfielder
Leon Flach, midfielder
Jose Martinez, defensive midfielder
Daniel Gazdag, midfielder
Mikael Uhre, forward
Julian Carranza, forward
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Prediction, preview for playoff rematch between FC Cincy, Philly Union
