Preview, predict as FC Cincinnati strives to sweep the MLS season against New York City FC

after FC Cincinnati‘s Elimination from the US Open CupHead coach Pat Noonan apparently admitted he wasn’t sure how his team could or should recover from the disappointment.

“We’ll see,” Noonan said. “We have to dig deeper into moments like this. It’s two losses (in two games), but important losses, so how we come out of this is up to us.”

Inter Miami Soccer Club Strong return in the Open Cup semi-finals on Wednesday The shootout win at TQL Stadium was officially recorded as a tie but that was no consolation to the FCC. The match effectively marked the third defeat in FC Cincinnati’s first losing streak of 2023 after the club fell to their arch-rivals. Columbus Crew Sunday.

FC Cincinnati forward Yuya Kubo (7) celebrates with a goal in the second period of overtime during the US Open Cup semifinal match between Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.

FCC too Lost to Nashville SC In a penalty shootout in the League Cup on 5 August.

FC Cincinnati’s season, which had been full of optimism and potential lately with four titles to chase, looked noticeably less satisfactory after losing to Miami. Even with its strong position at the top of the MLS race for the Supporters’ Shield, the FCC has seen two of the four potential awards fall out of its grasp over its last three games.

Between shootout losses to Miami and Nashville, FC Cincinnati’s form in the league also took a hit with a big loss to Columbus.

Cincinnati was the favorite to win the Open Cup dating back to June. then Lionel Messi He arrived in Miami in July and helped Messi help Miami come from behind on Wednesday. FC Cincinnati didn’t last long in the League Cup, falling to Nashville in the Round of 32 on penalties, but it was considered one of the favorites in that tournament as well.

Messi’s resurgent Miami would eventually win the League Cup.

With the odds of 2023 narrowing, the FCC has turned its collective attention to the Supporters’ Shield race. His next chance to extend his lead in Major League Soccer is on Saturday against New York City FC at TQL Stadium.

Still, Cincinnati Yuya Kobo “We are at the top of the table,” he said on Wednesday.

More than the personal events and other factors usually focused on before a game, the next game should show something about the character and mental toughness inside the Cincinnati FC dressing room.

New York City FC comes into Cincinnati with a losing record and six points behind the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. In their first post-League Cup game in the summer, Minnesota United Football Club suffered a rare home defeat. metsCiti Field 2-0.

This result came after a busy minor transfer period with the comings and goings of staff.

NYCFC’s moves in the window were highlighted by the return of a club legend Maxi Morales As a free agent, he recently left the Argentine Racing Club. Morales started vs Minnesota. He believes it enhances the effectiveness of the club’s attack.

Finally, New York FC added six players, including Algerian striker Moncef Bikkar and Julien Fernandez from Argentina’s Velez Sarsfield in a $5 million transfer.

All this fresh blood makes NYC a different proposition compared to the two-win FC Cincinnati in May, Including one major league game at Yankee Stadium on May 31.