MLS preview: FC Cincinnati looks to continue record pace vs. Orlando City
Task discipline has long been touted as one of FC Cincinnati's strengths in 2023. But with big-picture goals like Major League Soccer's Supporters Shield coming into clear view, that discipline will be tested and taxed as never before in the team's history.
FC Cincinnati's ability to buckle down and focus on the task at-hand will go on trial Saturday against Orlando City SC at TQL Stadium as FCC looks to take another big step toward the Shield, which is potentially the club's first-ever major trophy.
Like most things beyond next match, the Shield isn't mentioned much inside the Mercy Health Training Center in Milford, FCC head coach Pat Noonan said. But Noonan also noted the club is close enough to the end of the year that the trophy is also a kind of ever-present factor.
"I think a pretty good indication of the mental strength of the group is the last two games coming out of that Miami game," Noonan said during a Friday news conference. "Being able to win two games. That, for me, sums up the group to this point. It remains to be each challenge moving forward but i think this is a pretty good indication of the group's mental strength and understanding the moment and how to find success."
Following FC Cincinnati's elimination from the U.S. Open Cup Aug. 23, the club bounced back in rousing fashion. FCC trounced New York City FC at TQL Stadium, 3-1, on Aug. 26 prior to the late surge for a 2-1 win at Atlanta United FC on Wednesday.
Missing out of on the Open Cup title was a wound some thought could derail FC Cincinnati, but the two victories that followed allowed the club to clinch an MLS Cup playoff berth and take a 10-point lead in the Shield race with eight matches to play.
Orlando comes to Cincinnati unbeaten in its last four MLS matches (3-0-1, 10 points), including an Aug. 26 victory against Western Conference leader St. Louis CITY SC.
More: FC Cincinnati has its playoff berth. Now, it's closing in on MLS history.
More: Pat Noonan, two FC Cincinnati players named to MLS Team of Week following Atlanta win
Twelve-win Orlando is in a strong position to stretch a streak of consecutive playoff berths to four years and currently sits third in the Eastern Conference.
The game
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., Saturday | TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
TV/radio: Apple TV/ESPN 1530
All-time series: Orlando City leads the all-time series with FC Cincinnati with three wins, two losses, and three draws (Orlando leads 3-2-3).
Cincinnati.com prediction: FC Cincinnati 3, Orlando City 1
FC Cincinnati
Record (all competitions): 17-3-6, 57 points; First place in MLS Eastern Conference
Goals for: 44 (No. 3 in east)
Goals against: 29 (No. 4 in east)
Coach: Pat Noonan - second year at FC Cincinnati
Projected starting XI:
Roman Celentano, goalkeeper
Alvaro Barreal, left back
Ian Murphy, center back
Matt Miazga, center back
Nick Hagglund, center back
Santiago Arias, right back
Junior Moreno, midfielder
Obinna Nwobodo, midfielder
Luciano Acosta, midfielder
Brandon Vazquez, forward
Sergio Santos, forward
Orlando City SC
Record: 12-6-8, 44 points; third place in MLS Eastern Conference
Goals for: 40 (No. 6 in the east)
Goals against: 31 (No. 6 in the east)
Coach: Óscar Pareja - fourth season at Orlando City SC
Projected starting XI:
Pedro Gallese, goalkeeper
Rafael Santos, left back
Robin Jansson, center back
Rodrigo Schlegel, center back
Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, right back
César Araújo, midfielder
Júnior Urso, midfielder
Ramiro Enrique, midfielder/winger
Mauricio Pereyra, midfielder
Facundo Torres, midfielder/winger
Duncan McGuire, forward
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Preview: FC Cincinnati looks to continue record pace vs. Orlando City
