Although keeping a clean sheet is an accomplishment, FC Cincinnati made it plain after the game that they weren’t satisfied with their goalless draw at home against Toronto FC.
On Sunday afternoon, FC Cincinnati celebrated the beginning of their 2024 season, but it ended in disappointment—or more accurately, frustration. Following the raising of a banner to commemorate winning the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield and the 100th cap of Orange and Blue captain Luciano Acosta, who was named the 2023 MLS MVP, FCC was held scoreless for ninety minutes and only managed 1.3 xG on seven shots on target.
TFC, the MLS’s bottom team from the previous season, was content to sit back and defend their end while FCC struggled to generate chances in the final third from the outset. When significant opportunities did present themselves, the home team lacked the decisive edge required to secure a goal.
“A sloppy, slow game,” head coach Pat Noonan characterised the afternoon encounter. “Rhythm, intensity, and quality are all evidently lacking, particularly on our end. In terms of our regular attack, there wasn’t much available for us. Both Lucho and Sergio (Santos) had nice looks, but they both missed many half chances.”
It was the first nil-nil draw the team had played to in over a year and only the third time in Noonan’s time at FC Cincinnati. It is an uncommon outcome for Noonan’s team, even though FCC hasn’t always been an offensive powerhouse, going through the ups and downs like any other team.
The aspect of the game that FCC was most obviously impacted by was its pace. FCC has appeared to be a quick, agile, and adaptable team both in the previous season and so far in this preseason. In the first game of the season, a portion of that identity was absent. The FC Cincinnati offence was beset from the beginning by missed opportunities, incomplete passes, and other tempo problems.
There are several possible reasons behind that. Almost certainly, a mix of all three led to Sunday’s annoyances.
In certain respects, the growing pains were obvious. Five new players, including a striker, a wingback, a midfielder, and two new centre backs, made their debuts for FCC. In addition, Yuya Kubo made his wingback debut during the regular season. Due to a minutes restriction, Aaron Boupendza began the game as a reserve; Santos then assumed the role of striker. The FCC was using a virtually brand-new, untested lineup.
You could see Acosta and one of those new players, Luca Orellano, for example, building well on numerous occasions. However, one of the two or a third player required to complete the play simply couldn’t connect or was going at a different speed when it came to the last action or finish. It may take some time for FC Cincinnati to reach their best performances even though it is evident that they are closer than they were at the start of the preseason after making seven changes to the starting lineup.
It should be mentioned that FC Cincinnati played today on minimal rest following their Concacaf Champions Cup match on Thursday night in Kingston, Jamaica. As this writer did, the team didn’t get back to Cincinnati until 7:30 a.m. on Friday lethargy Hard to separate from what Noonan described.
Is it directly related to the overall issue or the FCC’s performance? Most likely not, no. It’s interesting to note, though, that on matchday one, the six Major League Soccer (MLS) teams that participated in the midweek Concacaf game had a combined record of 0 wins, 1 loss, 5 draws, and 5 goals scored. It’s difficult to ignore the connection.
One group stood out, even in their frustration.
By allowing just two shots on target and 0.6 xG, Miles Robinson, Ian Murphy, and Kipp Keller worked together to neutralise the Toronto FC, dousing fires before they started and preventing TFC from being in dangerous positions.
Regarding his center-back core, Noonan stated, “They were probably our strongest performers.” “I felt they performed a really good job at times of defending with space behind and in aerial duels on the defensive side of the ball. They did a good job, in my opinion, of defending the box.
“There were certainly a lot of moments in the first half, the first portion of that first half where they had to defend in space and in isolation, and I thought, for the most part, they passed the test there, so pleased overall.”
For two of those three, it was their first time at both TQL Stadium and MLS. Murphy was playing with Robinson and Keller in a way that had never been seen before.
Everybody had their moments. On the left, Murphy appeared to be his usual composed self. Simultaneously, Robinson assumed the lead role in the middle of the trio, which was not exactly unfamiliar to him, but it was also not his natural place. Keller assumed the right position and demonstrated his abilities.
Among the three, Keller’s performance is the most notable in many aspects. To their credit, Robinson and Murphy are anticipated to be among Noonan and his staff’s first choices throughout the season, so there will be plenty of them. But Keller filled in as Matt Miazga’s starting replacement during the offseason after Austin FC traded a third-round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft for Keller as a depth option. Keller made his seventh career MLS start on Sunday, spanning three seasons. However, if he keeps playing the way he did, it’s easy to imagine FC Cincinnati being extremely satisfied with the depth at centre back once Nick Hagglund and Miazga are healthy again.
Noonan concluded by stating succinctly, “Overall, (the defenders) were probably our strongest performers,” summarising their significance.
Ultimately, though, both players and coaches felt that the club’s performance was below par. Roman Celentano, the custodian, called the outcome “certainly not enough.” Too many ‘average’ performances, according to Noonan.
Thankfully, FCC makes a successful comeback on Wednesday when they host Cavalier FC at TQL Stadium for the Concacaf Champions Cup second leg. The short turnaround time adds to the stress that similar circumstances have caused for other teams in the league. However, it also offers an opportunity to recover from the setback at home and reposition to FCC’s dominating ways.
Noonan provided specifics about the FCC’s recovery strategy when he stated, “We’ll take a look at some things, have a quick turnaround, and will try to have a better performance on Wednesday.” It’s too early to judge a game after one… However, we have both excellent new and excellent returning pieces. That’s what is anticipated, then.”
