FC Cincinnati recovered well ahead of match versus in-form Real Salt Lake
After securing a rebound victory over Inter Miami CF, FC Cincinnati is in a position to build momentum in the Supporters’ Shield race against Real Salt Lake on July 19.
But the Orange and Blue, who have won four of their last five contests, are set to clash with another in-form opponent.
Despite being 10th in the Western Conference and 20th overall, Real Salt Lake enters the match unbeaten in their last five contests. Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati sits second in the Eastern Conference and the league.
“The form that (RSL is) in and the results that they're getting is credit to (coach) Pablo (Mastroeni) and the staff for the work they're doing, because they look like a strong team,” said coach Pat Noonan.
Real Salt Lake is unbeaten in their last five matches
After splitting results against two Supporters’ Shield competitors in the Columbus Crew and Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati should not overlook RSL, which has pulled off gritty victories in its recent run.
Noonan cited RSL's defensive pressure and variable pressing and also noted the opposition's commitment to defending in transition with organization.
Twenty-one-year-old midfielder Diego Luna has been one of RSL’s key playmakers with 12 goal contributions in 18 appearances this season. He recently enjoyed a breakout with the United States Men’s National Team, scoring three goals and tallying two assists at the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Noonan noted Luna’s rapid development and movement off the ball to find space. He also mentioned how the Sunnyvale, California native can dribble past players and score from a long distance.
“The recognition and the attention that (Luna)’s getting is well deserved, because he's performing with his club, and he got an opportunity with the U.S. team, and did a good job there as well,” Noonan said.
Players have stepped up in the attack for FC Cincinnati
A midfielder, Evander, has also been a critical figure on FC Cincinnati’s side. He became the first player to score in five consecutive matches for the Orange and Blue in the win against Inter Miami, raising his goal tally to 15 this season.
With the team’s second-leading scorer, forward Kévin Denkey, likely to miss his second straight game due to a leg injury, Evander could continue to be especially vital in the attack.
Still, Gerardo “Dado” Valenzuela replaced Denkey and scored FC Cincinnati’s opening goal against Inter Miami. On the right side of the front two, 40-year-old Kei Kamara has seemed to become a preferred option because of his hold-up play and off-ball movement. Meanwhile, Sérgio Santos, who has featured in 16 matches, could mix in after recently returning from a leg injury.
While it is unclear who will line up to start the match, Noonan said the group has recovered well from their previous game despite the double match week.
“We factored in the two games before Salt Lake, how they played out, with certain positions and the depth we have, what makes the most sense to have a rotation if we do and with the idea of having fresh legs and a strong group to go out and start the game in a good way,” Noonan said.
The match will kick off at 9:30 p.m.