Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati

The games are coming thick and fast for Orlando City, and the Lions have a second straight game on the road following Wednesday’s 1-1 draw up in Charlotte. OCSC’s next match sees the Lions head to Ohio for a showdown against FC Cincinnati.

A date with FCC means I spoke to Justin Blair of the always excellent Cincinnati Soccer Talk. Justin was very helpful in getting us up to speed on the Supporters’ Shield leaders.

FC Cincinnati has already eclipsed last year’s point total, which had been a high watermark. In your opinion, what’s been the biggest reason for this year’s success?

Justin Blair: I think the story for FC Cincinnati in 2022 was finding an identity. In 2023, it’s been about building championship depth. Pat Noonan highlighted this to the media back in January before the preseason. The 2023 season was going to have a lot of matches for FCC with the USOC, the new Leagues Cup and an expanded MLS playoffs. They needed to find players that could be comfortable in multiple positions and responsibilities. The additions of Marco Angulo, Santiago Arias, Malik Pinto, and Bret Halsey have allowed FCC to maintain a competitive lineup each matchday. This has been crucial to the orange and blue’s success this season.  

The added competitions are one thing, but the unforeseen roster management needs have been staggering. FCC has faced a contagious injury bug for most of the season with several players missing loads of playing time. Additionally, FCC has had seven players called up for international duty at various times. What Pat Noonan, the coaching staff, and GM Chris Albright have done to keep this squad at a Supporters’ Shield level cannot be understated. It is nothing short of remarkable. 

Also, it helps to have Lucho Acosta.

Aaron Boupendza arrived in late June and has been an immediate contributor with two goals in three games. Outside of the raw numbers, how has he looked so far?

JB: I think Aaron Boupendza has looked really promising so far. He is the heir apparent to the vacuum Brenner’s May departure created on the team. This system is tailor-made for a player like Aaron. He is a fast and physical forward that is willing to drop back to help the midfield in defense. The thing FCC fans are most excited for is his willingness to take shots. He is not afraid to unleash from outside the box. Right now, Aaron is still learning the timing and thought processing of his teammates. It took Brenner time to get comfortable with Lucho’s ideas and creativity. It should be no different with Aaron.

FCC has yet to lose a game at home this year. What needs to go right for Orlando City if the Lions are going to change that on Saturday?

JB: Orlando City and Oscar Pareja have been a difficult nut for FC Cincinnati to crack. From a FCC fan’s perspective, they do everything right. They play simple attacking soccer, defend well, and have quality talent at all three levels. But to come away with three points Saturday, they will have to break that frame of success. Orlando will need the likes of Mauricio Pereyra, Junio Urso, and Facundo Torres to break pressure and quickly apply pressure on Cincinnati’s midfield. Cincinnati isn’t the best at maintaining its lines and communicating switches in transition moments. I can’t underemphasize the word quickly enough. The window of opportunity doesn’t last long with Obinna Nwobodo, Matt Miazga, and Yerson Mosquera roaming in the defensive third.

Are there any players who will be unavailable due to injury, suspension, etc.? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?

JB: FC Cincinnati should be in shape personnel-wise. Mosquera should be available for the first time since Leagues Cup. Boupendza picked up a knock and missed the Wednesday trip to Atlanta, but he should be available for selection. Reserve forward Dominique Badji will be questionable to doubtful.

Starting Lineup: 3-5-2.

Roman Celentano; Alvaro Barreal, Nick Hagglund, Matt Miazga, Ian Murphy, Santiago Arias; Obinna Nwobodo, Junior Moreno, Luciano Acosta; Sergio Santos, Brandon Vazquez.

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2–0 Orlando City.

Thank you to Justin for his helpful insight into FCC. Vamos Orlando!