March 29, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release
With an undefeated record intact and a perfect 2-0-0 record in road matches this season, FC Cincinnati heads to the Tarheel State for a Queen City Darby, taking on Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium.
In their way of improving that exemplary road record is a new look Charlotte FC team still looking to prove themselves and find their peak. With a new identity of defense leading the way, CLTFC is coming off of a confidence-building 2-0 victory over Columbus Crew and has conceded just four times in five matches.
“Defensively, (Charlotte) is a very organized team. In watching a lot more of them over the last couple days having been unfamiliar with a new coach and some new personnel and some pieces that departed, you see a very organized team,” FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said. “I think, defensively, they are tough to break down. They recover well in transition, I just haven’t seen a lot of teams being able to put them under consistent pressure and create a lot of chances because of their strengths defensively.”
FC Cincinnati has been a stout defensive side, earning three clean sheets and conceding just twice on the road and only once from open play. This suggests a struggle defensively is in store for Saturday.
However, FCC’s offensive woes were not due to a lack of opportunity. With nearly seven xG through five games, some would suggest that FCC has been one of the league’s more ‘unlucky’ teams by the ratio of xG to goals scored. With 29 shots on target this season, The Orange and Blue rank fourth in MLS despite ranking tied for seventh lowest in actual goals scored.
A challenge that presents itself for FC Cincinnati is the host venue of Saturday’s match. The playing surface, artificial turf, presents match issues with how the ball will physically move as turf typically bounces more radically and passes move quicker, but also with the home environment Charlotte FC has cultivated. Which stands out to many as one of the best in MLS despite playing in an NFL Stadium.
“It’s a great atmosphere,” Noonan said. “When you have a slow start, and you allow that team, on their home field, and that crowd to get into it, you can feel it…I think the biggest takeaways (from the) last couple matchups have been us chasing the game. Hopefully we can find a way to get the first goal.”
When scoring first, FC Cincinnati has dominated regular season MLS play since the start of 2023. The Orange and Blue…
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