FC Cincinnati host New York City FC in this Eastern Conference matchup in the MLS. Both teams will be wanting to pick up three points early in the season.
Date: 23/03/24
Kick-off time: 23:30
Venue: TQL Stadium
It is a brand new season, but it is still a very important game for both sides as they contend at both ends of the table. Cincinnati have made a strong start to the campaign, and are one of four teams yet to taste defeat. Their two wins and two draws have them third in the standings on seven points. They are only three points off the top of the table, a place occupied by Inter Miami, who have played one more game than the rest of the competition. Victory this weekend could see them go level at the summit, but defeat could allow multiple teams below them to overtake.
New York, in contrast, are sitting in 12th on three points. They have won just once this season though this victory came in their most recent game against New England Revolution. A win against Cincinnati would move them just one point behind their opponents, highlighting the importance of this fixture for both sides.
The hosts have had issues putting the ball in the back of the net, scoring just four all season. New York have endured some similar struggles, netting just three times. Defences could be on top in this one, with the two teams conceding a combined five goals. However, if anyone will threaten in attack, it will be Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta. He was one of the standout players last season, producing 17 goals and 14 assists in 32 games. This season he has scored twice. New York will be relying on Santiago Rodriguez.
Since 2022, these two sides have met five times in all competitions, and it is Cincinnati who have dominated the head-to-head. They have won three of the five games, with the other two ending in draws. They played each other in the US Open Cup last May, in which Cincinnati won 1-0. Last season they did the double over New York, winning 3-0 and 3-1.