On Sunday morning, FC Cincinnati will host the New England Revolution at the TQL Stadium for an MLS top of the table matchup.
The Eastern Conference leaders are currently unbeaten on their home court, while the visiting team has recently passed Nashville to go into second place thanks to an ongoing three games winning streak.
Match Preview
Due to an impressive start to the season that has seen the Garys create a seven points lead at the top of the Eastern Conference, Cincinnati should, barring any catastrophe, qualify for this year’s MLS Cup Playoffs.
A shocking 3-0 loss at Wayne Rooney’s DC United ended a 14 games unbeaten streak across all competitions and 10 games without a loss in the Major League Soccer. It was 10 points before the previous gameweek.
This season, Pat Noonan’s squad has responded appropriately to losses, demonstrating their resolve to make sure those setbacks are isolated incidents rather than a sign of a decline in efforts and outcomes.
The Eastern Conference leaders are seeking their 14th MLS victory of the season against the league’s second-place team after a surprise loss to DC.
An 11th straight victory could be anticipated on Sunday after Noonan’s team has won 10 straight games at the TQL Stadium, where they have scored 19 goals while giving up only five.
By defeating a team with unblemished home record, the Revs can reduce the gap at the top of the standings.
The team led by Bruce Arena has won three straight games, moving them ahead of Nashville, who was previously in second place and might pass New England this weekend.
Due to the Revs’ strong position, a victory for third-placed Nashville versus DC United and a loss for Arena’s team would result in the latter team dropping to third.
However, a four-game losing streak on the road draws attention to their more general road issues, which have resulted in just three MLS away victory this season.
These triumphs occurred early in the season, when Arena’s team had to settle for losses and draws after their impressive road performances resulted in three victories and a tie in their first five away games of the current campaign.
Despite being only one point behind Cincinnati, the Revs are the underdogs on Sunday, as shown by their home and road records.
Team News
80′ | FC Cincinnati is shown a second yellow card.
We will play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) June 25, 2023
Due to Ian Murphy’s sending-off against DC United after receiving two yellow cards, Noonan was forced to change his back three, with Yerson Mosquera expected to be used right away.
Brenner has only made eight appearances this season due to a foot ailment, and the Brazilian has still not returned from his absence.
Due to their participation in the Gold Cup with the United States, Matt Miazga and Brandon Vazquez won’t be participating.
The Revs have a number of players out with long-term injuries, including Nacho Gil, Maciel, and Tommy McNamara who have been sidelined since the season’s beginning.
Dylan Borrero will likely be sidelined for the foreseeable future due to a torn cruciate ligament, while Henry Kessler has been out since April due to a muscular ailment.
DeJuan Jones cannot play on Saturday since he is traveling with the American team to the Gold Cup.
On June 29, New England defeated Toronto FC 2-1, and the game against Cincinnati might be busy for goalie Djordje Petrovic, who made nine saves.
Possible starting lineup for FC Cincinnati
Celentaro, Powell, Hagglund, Mosquera, Arias, Nwobodo, Angulo, Barreal, Acosta, Kubo and Ordonez.
Possible starting lineup for New England Revolution
Petrovic, Bye, Farrell, Romney, Spaulding, Blessing, Polster, Boateng, Gil, Wood and Boue.
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Our prediction: FC Cincinnati 2-1 New England Revolution
Due to their propensity for scoring at the TQL Stadium and propensity to allow up few goals, the top team in MLS is predicted to make it 11 wins from 11 on their home field when they visit New England.
How to watch
Every MLS game this season, including FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution, can be watch live on Apple TV.