CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati aims to continue its impressive winning streak with a showdown against their Ohio rivals, the Columbus Crew, in the highly anticipated Hell is Real derby on Saturday at TQL Stadium.
Currently leading the Eastern Conference with a record of 13 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws, Cincinnati is on a hot streak, having secured four consecutive victories. Their most recent match saw them triumph over Chicago with a score of 2-1. This derby marks the second encounter between these two clubs this season, with their previous match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Key players to watch include Kevin Denkey, who has netted 12 goals and provided one assist for Cincinnati, and Evander, who has contributed six goals and five assists in the last ten games. The Crew will rely on Rossi, who has scored 10 goals and added three assists this season, with Lassi Lappalainen also making an impact with two assists over the recent stretch.
In their last ten matches, Cincinnati boasts a record of 6 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, averaging 1.8 goals per game along with 5.7 shots on goal and 4.9 corner kicks. In contrast, the Crew has had a more challenging time, with a record of 3 wins, 2 losses, and 5 draws, averaging 1.6 goals per game but conceding slightly more than they score.
Both teams will be missing several players due to injuries. Cincinnati will be without Gilberto Flores, Obinna Nwobodo, Miles Robinson, Teenage Hadebe, Sergio Santos, Nick Hagglund, and Yuya Kubo. The Crew’s roster will also be affected, with Patrick Schulte, Malte Amundsen, Nicholas Hagen Godoy, and Rudy Camacho sidelined.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and fans can catch the action live on Apple TV. Tickets for the game are still available for purchase.
This match promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams keen to secure vital points as the season progresses.