The next "Hell is Real" contest between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew could paint the perfect opportunity for FCC to squash the dreadful results they've posted at TQL Stadium since its opening.
The historic rivalry match will kickoff Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Columbus Crew are the defending 2020 MLS Cup champions. They've posted a 4-3-4 record this season and stand at ninth place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
But the departures of athletes for the Gold Cup has put both rosters in a deficit.
The Enquirer spoke to Columbus Crew beat reporter Jacob Myers to check in on the status of the Crew heading into Friday. Read the Q&A here:
Q: FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew met four times last season, in which FC Cincinnati went 1-2-1. What has changed about Columbus since then and will the familiarity of these teams affect the intensity of Friday's match?
More:FC Cincinnati prepares for Columbus Crew: 'It's gonna be a big game for everybody'
A: Since then they've (Columbus) obviously won an MLS Cup, they've added a couple pieces offensively to improve their attack but a lot of those pieces are injured or out on international duty. I don't think it will change at all. I think anytime these teams meet during their season it will have some significance. Maybe if they have another season where they play four times in a single season then it might lose a little luster, but I think enough time has passed that it won't be a big deal.
Going into this game Columbus has 11 players either injured or on international duty so they are very much in survival mode right now. They have no real solution at forward. They signed Bradley Wright-Phillips to be the guy who starts in place of Gyasi Zardes when Zardes is called to the U.S. National Team for Gold Cup and Wright-Phillips is hurt.
Kevin Molino, who is probably their biggest free agent off-season signing, is at the Gold Cup with Trinidad so they have a lot of key pieces out right now. I would think Cincy is probably looking at this game like it's a big opportunity for them to get three points.
Q: As you mentioned, the Crew has six players at the Gold Cup. FC Cincinnati has lost Allan Cruz and Ronald Matarrita to the Cup as well. How much will the Gold Cup affect this match on both sides?
A: Much more so on Columbus' side really for two reasons. One being, Bradley Wright-Phillips is injured so since Zardes is out they really don't have a solution right now at forward. They're likely going to sign someone it seems but probably not in time for this match on Friday. Then just the players out for Gold Cup hurts a lot at the winger position. They have five wingers on their roster, three of which are at Gold Cup, Derrick Etienne, Kevin Molino and Luis Díaz was recently called up to Costa Rica, so you just have Pedro Santos and Alex Matan.
More:FC Cincinnati trades international roster spot to Portland Timbers for financial assets
Santos started at left back in place of Milton Valenzuela when he was hurt and Valenzuela just took another injury so when they could've put Santos at left back they really can't now because they need him at winger. They still have Lucas Zelarayán, Darlington Nagbe and defender Jonathan Mensah who are really their backbone to what they do well. They have players that can fill in the void for absences but certainly depth in key spots is going to hurt the crew not just in this game but in several games this month.
Q: With 11 players absent for the Crew on Friday, who will the team look to instead? Who might have an opportunity to show their potential?
A: Lucas Zelarayán and Darlington Nagbe are the two for sure who are going to have to play really well. Zelarayán was the MLS Newcomer of the Year last year and MLS Cup MVP. Darlington Nagbe is probably widely considered the best central midfielder in MLS, not attacking midfielder but kind of that next line there, so he's going to have to probably join the attack and maybe bag a couple goals this month. I think one player who could really step up is Alex Matan.
More:FC Cincinnati road-trip wrap: Streaking Cincinnati looks to Columbus Crew visit
He's a 21-year-old, Romanian winger who they brought in really to be the backup to Zelarayán. He can play on the wing as well. He's looked pretty lively in recent games. He nearly scored the game-winner against New England last week but he has not scored yet for the Crew this season and it's his first season. He's a player who I think is going to have to get a goal or two but he has yet to play a full 90 minutes. It will be interesting to see how Caleb Porter manages the lineups, especially in some compacted windows here. I don't know how much they can really lean on Matan. He's talented but still a little unproven.
Q: Do you have a prediction for the match?
A: I think a draw would be really solid for Columbus. Just based on Cincinnati's form, I think they are going to be hungry for getting that first win at TQL Stadium. I think Cincinnati probably gets this one 1-0.
Source link
