FC Cincinnati need a big turnaround just three nights after another frustration-filled defeat.
The opportunity will come against visiting Charlotte FC on Saturday.
Both teams will be without suspended key players, so making adjustments will be vital.
Charlotte (11-7-6, 39 points) defeated host Montreal 2-1 on Wednesday night, stretching its unbeaten run to 4-0-2. It played that match without captain Ashley Westwood because of a ruling from MLS that will keep him out two matches — one for a red card, the other for an accumulation of cards.
“Unfortunately, there are consequences for players,” Charlotte coach Dean Smith said.
Charlotte, which hasn’t lost in MLS play since Aug. 1, also will be without defender David Schnegg because of a yellow card accumulation.
Smith said that, with three matches in eight nights, it’s important to tap into depth. Forward Allan Saint-Maximin has been an important roster addition in the past month.
“Fitness-wise, he’s still working to get to full match fitness,” Smith said. “He has hit the ground running really well for us.”
Charlotte got forward Archie Goodwin into action Wednesday, but he departed in the first half with a head injury. His status is uncertain with the quick turnaround for Saturday’s game, Smith said.
Cincinnati (8-8-7, 31 points) fell 5-0 at Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, marking the team’s second consecutive blowout loss.
“The mentality could be a lot better,” Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said. “Our last two performances show that, so I don’t put it on just players. This is a collective concern.”
Midfielder Obinna Nwobodo will miss Saturday’s game because of an accumulation of cards, including a red card assessed in Philadelphia. Fellow midfielder Evander also must sit out after picking up his fifth yellow card.
Cincinnati will assess what strategy might work best.
“I think there’s bigger issues than just looking at video and solving problems,” Noonan said. “You can always take things from matches, because it’s the circumstances.”
Cincinnati’s last two outings were on the road. The team has been better at home with a 4-0-1 mark in its last five matches on friendly turf.
Cincinnati and Charlotte played to a 2-2 draw May 9 in Charlotte, with Evander scoring one of Cincinnati’s goals.
–Field Level Media
