CLEARWATER BEACH, Florida − If FC Cincinnati's loss to the Philadelphia Union was a needed wakeup call in the preseason, the club will have to answer for it Tuesday.
Even when accounting for the many variables preseason matches present, FC Cincinnati found itself on the wrong side of a 3-1 loss Friday to Philadelphia. The scoreline was unexpectedly lopsided given FCC's 1-1-1 record against the Union in all competitions last season, but Cincinnati can redeem itself Tuesday against the New England Revolution.
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New England was winless in the preseason until a 1-0 victory Friday against Nashville SC at Al Land Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida.
FC Cincinnati also hasn't beaten the Revolution since early in the 2019 season. A stronger performance against Tuesday's opponent would go a long way to easing some of the tensions that arose in the Union loss.
Now 12 days out from the start of the Major League Soccer season as of Monday, most within the club agree FC Cincinnati is in a desirable place at this moment in its preseason preparations.
The club's lack of intensity and strong performances from some of its best players were still notable. Head coach Pat Noonan addressed those facts early in his post-match remarks Friday.
"I think overall, too many below-average performances," Noonan said. "You know, it was hot. The conditions were challenging. But we were, I think, lacking patience to find more quality, a better rhythm to the game."
The game
FC Cincinnati plays New England Revolution at noon Tuesday. The match is scheduled to go for 120 minutes, just as Friday's match between Cincinnati and Philadelphia was.
The game will not be televised or streamed. The Enquirer will be on-site to report on the game and provide live updates.
FCC's preseason results, remaining schedule
Most recent game: Friday vs. Philadelphia Union. Score: 3-1 loss to the Union. FCC goal-scorer: Brandon Vazquez (penalty kick in the 57th minute).
Second game: Feb. 1 vs. University of South Florida. Score: 3-0 win for FC Cincinnati. Goal-scorers: Alvaro Barreal (49th minute), Arquimides Ordonez (77th minute), Stiven Jiminez (85th minute).
First preseason game: Jan. 27 vs. Austin FC (planned 120-minute game with 30-minute periods). Score: 3-2 win for FC Cincinnati. Goal-scorers: Nick Hagglund (27th minute), Brenner Souza da Silva (33rd minute), Dominique Badji (91st minute).
FC Cincinnati closes out its preseason Friday against Nashville SC. The club will then return to Greater Cincinnati in preparation for the season-opener against Houston Dynamo FC at TQL Stadium Feb. 25.
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