FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union: Coach Noonan Stands Firm, Refuses to Dismiss Cincinnati Despite Recent Challenges in the League

FC Cincinnati are gunning for a win against the Philadelphia Union to stay hot on the heels of the Eastern Conference leaders, Inter Miami, in the MLS.

In an encounter slated for this Thursday, FC Cincinnati’s coach, Pat Noonan, is preparing for a formidable challenge against his former team, despite their lackluster recent results.

Sporting a streak of victories, including a recent 4-2 dominance over San Jose Earthquakes, the Orange and Blue enter as the clear frontrunners. Although just two points adrift of Inter Miami, they have two games in hand over their rivals.

Noonan, however, refuses to underestimate the Union, predicting a grueling match ahead.

“They’ve set the bar high over time, and a dip in form often invites criticism,” Noonan observed. “But they’re resilient, and with leaders like Jim [Curtin], they’ll bounce back.”

“This doesn’t ease my concerns about the match,” he added. “When cornered, this team knows how to fight back under Jim’s leadership. We must tread carefully.”

The Union are desperate to overturn their misfortunes, having secured just one victory in their last 11 league games. They are currently eighth in the conference, following a 2-1 loss to Inter Miami last Saturday.

The recent clashes have not been kind to the Union, with three consecutive losses to Cincinnati.

Before this slump, the Union remained undefeated in their first seven bouts against Cincinnati, boasting five wins and two draws. They hope to recapture some of that magic for a turnaround.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta

Luciano Acosta dazzled in their last outing against San Jose, setting up three goals. It marked the second occasion in his MLS tenure he achieved this feat. With 19 goal involvements in 17 matches this season, he’s eyeing yet another illustrious record.

Philadelphia Union – Mikael Uhre

Uhre, celebrating his sixth goal of the season last Saturday, is among three Union players hitting that mark this season, joining teammates Daniel Gazdag and Julian Carranza.

MATCH PREDICTION: FC CINCINNATI WIN

FC Cincinnati has outplayed the Union in recent encounters, boasting three wins, a draw, and a loss in their last five matches, including knocking Philadelphia out of last season’s playoffs.

With eight wins in their last nine, Cincinnati aims to join an elite group of teams to secure nine victories in ten league games in the post-shootout era.

Contrastingly, the Union, reeling from one win in their last 11 (D5 L5), are experiencing one of their lowest points hauls since 2015.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Cincinnati – 50.8%

Draw – 25%

Philadelphia – 24.3%