FC Cincinnati had seven goals through four games and looked to be on track for a solid start to 2019. Then the Union showed up on a rainy Ohio night and drowned the Cincy attack; it has never recovered. The MLS expansion side's last goal from open play actually came prior to their showdown with the Union -- since then they have scored once, on a penalty kick from Darren Mattocks.
In the four matches since facing the Union, Cincy has taken a total of eight shots on goal. Four of those came against Sporting KC, and they haven't had more than two in a match in three games.
Part of the issue has been the absence of Fanendo Adi. FCC was relying on the former Timbers striker to help carry their offense and a DUI has kept him out of the lineup. Still, Kekuta Manneh, Mattocks, and Kenny Saeif should be able to generate chances but... they haven't. Cincy can't control games, so they don't hold teams in their defensive halves. They also don't have enough creativity in the center to play the first pass out on counterattacks. Imagine the early-Curtin Union without Cristian Maidana -- that's what are like on the break right now.
The Union can complete a sweep of the MLS newcomers by remaining patient in the attacking half, something they struggled slightly with against Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend. The Whitecaps got numbers around the Union's triangles on the wings, but Cincinnati won't be as aggressive pressing and is more likely to sit back and absorb pressure. That means probing, moving, and, most importantly, playing the ball quickly.
Philly welcomes FC Cincinnati to Talen Energy Stadium on Wednesday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET, presented by Oliver Heating and Cooling. Click the banner below for tickets.
