FC Cincinnati have an opportunity to win three consecutive matches for the first time in franchise history when they battle the newest club in Major League Soccer, Charlotte FC, on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte claimed their first-ever MLS victory last week, beating the New England Revolution 3-1, while The Orange-and-Blue disposed of Inter Miami by that same score.
Charlotte picked up their first win in the MLS last weekend, seeing off New England Revolution 3-1 on home turf. Before that, they opened their campaign with three defeats, conceding six games and scoring just one.
The victory over the Revs saw Charlotte rise to 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
The crowd was considerably smaller than the one we saw in their home opener, but the result was historic, as the 28th team in MLS picked up their first victory last weekend.
To claim your first points against the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners had to have felt pretty extraordinary for this side, who are showing a lot of promise in their early days.
As a team, it seems as though there is still work to do for them to consistently compete with the big clubs in this league, but it does appear as though they have a solid goalkeeper and some excellent pressing attackers who can keep them afloat for the time being.
After a heartbreaking defeat to Atlanta United in which they conceded the winner deep into injury time, Miguel Angel Ramirez called on his players for a response last Saturday, and he got it early on as his squad took the lead six minutes into that contest.
While their forwards have done a terrific job of keeping opposing defences on their heels, the service to their front players needs a little bit of work, as the vision and passing of their midfielders has not always been on the mark.
Team News:
Charlotte FC: Karol Swiderski was the man of the hour for Charlotte last weekend as he scored the opener and then notched the winner three minutes after Carles Gil had levelled the match from the penalty spot, while Ben Bender fired home the insurance marker and assisted on the winning goal.
Vinicius Mello remains out after undergoing left foot surgery. Chris Hegardt is doubtful with a left knee injury. Yordy Reyna will be a question mark with a right thigh problem.
Cincinnati FC:
Cincinnati striker Brandon Vazquez is off to an excellent start to the season, scoring a brace for a second successive fixture, putting him in a tie for first in goals in MLS (four) alongside Carlos Vela and Lucas Zelarayan.
