FC Cincinnati Host Philadelphia Union in Midweek Tussle with Familiar Foes

June 18, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release

After an emotional victory Saturday night on the West Coast, FCC have returned home and will turn the page quickly for a midweek tilt with Philadelphia Union at TQL Stadium Wednesday night.

The trip to California resulted in three points for The Orange and Blue, but with injury adding to the absences along the defensive back line questions have emerged as to how FCC will respond. FC Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan confirmed Monday that center back Matt Miazga, who exited Saturday’s match with a leg injury, will not be available and with Miles Robinson away on international duty, the depth of the roster will be tested.

“I still feel good with them, with what we have,” Noonan said Monday of his available defenders. “But of course, when you lose key pieces, the experience, the leadership, the quality, especially in that position, we’ll take a hit.”

“So we’ll look at our options and see what the best combination is. But yeah, we’re talking about losing two key pieces. But our opponent for Wednesday is missing a lot of pieces too. So that can’t be an excuse.”

Philadelphia enter the match struggling but have always played FCC tough, especially since Pat Noonan, who left Philly to take over as FCC’s Head Coach. So while the table may reflect a poor matchup with FCC as clear favorites, Noonan is clear eyed in his understanding of the opponent and how tough a game this is expected to be.

“They’ve been stable for a long time, and when you’re stable and at the top of the league for so long, anytime there’s a stretch where you’re not winning games, you’re not getting results, there’s going to be criticism. That’s a part of what we’re all dealing with. So I think the compliment there is it’s been so long since we’ve seen them have struggles. But I can tell you, with Jim (Curtin) and with some of those leaders, they’re going to be fine.”

“That’s my view of it, and it doesn’t make me any more comfortable about Wednesday. If there’s anything that you know, anytime their backs are against the wall, these guys step up. Jim knows how to lead that group, so we have to be very cautious about an opponent that, while they might be struggling with results, has been in these situations before and come out on top.”

FCC enters Saturday’s match in second place in the Supporters’ Shield table, two points back with two games in hand over leading Inter Miami CF. The Orange and Blue though does lead MLS in…