New York City FC take on FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30PM ET.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford.
On The Road
Traveling hasn’t always been easy for New York City FC, but lately things have improved.
Their first road game back after the World Cup break saw them upset the Columbus Crew in Ohio. Goals from Nico Fernández Mercau and Agustín Ojeda gave New York City a valuable 2-1 win.
That result was the team’s second road win in its last three away games in MLS. Picking up points on your travels is vital if you’re to succeed in the MLS regular season, and those experiences can prove invaluable when the playoffs roll around.
Besting FC Cincinnati in their own backyard will be no easy feat, however. In nine home outings this season, Pat Noonan’s side have won six, drawn one and lost two. Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi were the last team to hand Cincinnati a home defeat, back in May.
Since then, Cincinnati have enjoyed three straight wins at home, meaning New York City FC will need to be at their best if they’re to leave Ohio with three points for the second time this season.
Goals Galore
It certainly hasn’t been boring for FC Cincinnati fans recently.
Their last four home games have produced an incredible 29 goals. It started with a 5-3 defeat to Inter Miami before Cincinnati responded with a 6-2 win against Orlando City and a 4-3 victory against Vancouver Whitecaps. Most recently, they recorded a 4-2 win against the San Jose Earthquakes.
It should come as no surprise that Cincinnati are tied with Inter Miami for the most goals scored in MLS this season. Attacking duo Evander and Kevin Denkey have both managed 11 league goals, while 12 different Cincinnati players have found the scoresheet in MLS.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cincinnati have also conceded the second-most goals in MLS this season. Given the wealth of attacking talent on show for both teams, another goal fest could be in store Wednesday night.
Dueling Playmakers
One of the key tactical battles Wednesday night could center around Nico Fernández Mercau and Evander.
Fernández Mercau is enjoying a brilliant season with New York City FC. The team’s leading scorer, he sits second in the league’s scoring charts with 13 goals. A key component of New York City’s attacking play, Fernández Mercau has also earned praise from Pascal Jansen for the mentality he brings to the field and the way it drives the team forward.
For Evander, 11 goals and 11 assists underline why Cincinnati were so keen to bring him to the club. The 28-year-old was signed from the Portland Timbers last year and has shown an uncanny knack for scoring memorable goals.
The two players operate in different systems. Noonan utilizes a back three with occasional tweaks to his forward line, switching between a lone striker supported by two attacking midfielders and two strikers operating ahead of a midfield three.
Regardless of the shape, Evander is tasked with stitching Cincinnati’s attacking play together, either finishing moves himself or providing the creative supply line for the forwards.
One way New York City could potentially limit his influence is by ensuring Fernández Mercau sees plenty of the ball. Attack being the best form of defense is by no means a new concept, but forcing Cincinnati to account for Fernández Mercau’s threat could go a long way toward tilting the contest in New York City FC’s favor.
