FC Cincinnati has been facing numerous challenges in recent weeks, but their upcoming match against the Colorado Rapids might prove to be their toughest test yet. The altitude of suburban Denver, where the game will be played, could push the club to the brink of defeat for the first time in almost six weeks.
Altitude-related Fatigue
Dick's Sporting Goods Park, located in Commerce City, Colorado, sits at an elevation of approximately 5,200 feet. While not the highest elevation in Major League Soccer, playing at this height still presents concerns of altitude-related fatigue. FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan acknowledges the impact of altitude on players and emphasizes the need for strategic decision-making during physically challenging moments.
According to Noonan, players have varying experiences with altitude. Some may feel great and not be affected, while others may struggle. The key is to understand how to navigate these difficult moments as individuals and as a team, ensuring they maintain a strong focus on the game.
The challenge of playing in the Denver region is not new for MLS teams, as the Rapids have been part of the league since its inception. However, for FC Cincinnati, the altitude adds to an already hectic schedule and a series of other obstacles.
'Banged Up' FC Cincinnati
Despite leading the MLS with a record of 9-1-3 (30 points), FC Cincinnati has been dealing with injuries and general fatigue due to the demanding schedule. The club made several lineup changes in their recent Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against the New York Red Bulls, aiming to distribute workloads and manage fatigue. However, they still faced domination by the Red Bulls in many aspects of the game.
FC Cincinnati managed to advance in the Open Cup through a penalty shootout but not without consequences. The team had to rely on players who were supposed to be rested, leading to additional fatigue for some.
Fortunately, FC Cincinnati received positive news regarding center back Nick Hagglund's injury, and he will be available for the match against Colorado. Yuya Kubo's ankle contusion is considered a day-to-day issue, but his availability remains uncertain. Additionally, Brandon Vazquez, who missed the Open Cup match, avoided serious injury, while striker Sergio Santos returned to full training after being sidelined for three games.
Unbeaten Streak
Despite the challenges and fatigue, FC Cincinnati has managed to remain unbeaten in their last eight matches. Since their 5-1 loss to St. Louis City SC on April 15, the team has climbed to the top of the MLS standings, with an 11-1-4 record across all competitions in 2023.
Update on the Colorado Rapids
The Open Cup match could potentially level the playing field for Cincinnati and Colorado, as both teams played midweek in the tournament. FC Cincinnati advanced, while the Rapids suffered a 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake, ending their Open Cup run.
The Rapids' disappointment was palpable after the match, as they were hoping to find momentum in the cup competition. This loss followed a defeat to Salt Lake in a regular-season game earlier in May. The Rapids have not won an MLS match since their 3-1 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy on May 6.
Adding to their challenges, the Rapids will have one less day of rest compared to FC Cincinnati before their upcoming match.
The Game
- Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET, Saturday
- Venue: Dick's Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colorado
- Stream/Radio: Apple TV/ESPN 1530
- All-time series: Colorado leads the series against FC Cincinnati, 2-0-0
- Cincinnati.com prediction: FC Cincinnati 2, Colorado Rapids 0
FC Cincinnati
- Record: 9-1-3; 30 points, first in MLS (11-1-4 overall)
- Goals for: 21
- Goals against: 14
- Coach: Pat Noonan - second year at FC Cincinnati
- Projected starting XI:
- Roman Celentano, goalkeeper
- Alvas Powell, right back
- Alvaro Barreal, left back
- Yerson Mosquera, center back
- Matt Miazga, center back
- Ian Murphy, center back
- Junior Moreno, midfielder
- Malik Pinto, midfielder
- Luciano Acosta, midfielder
- Sergio Santos, forward
- Dominique Badji, forward
Colorado Rapids
- Record: 2-6-6; 12 points, 12th in MLS Western Conference
- Goals for: 12
- Goals against: 21
- Coach: Robin Fraser - fifth year as Colorado head coach
- Projected starting XI:
- William Yarbrough, goalkeeper
- Lalas Abubakar, center back
- Andreas Maxsø, center back
- Danny Wilson, center back
- Connor Ronan, midfielder
- Braian Galván, midfielder
- Keegan Rosenberry, midfielder
- Braian Ojeda, midfielder
- Andres Gomez, midfielder/winger
- Jonathan Lewis, forward
- Kévin Cabral, forward
The upcoming match between FC Cincinnati and the Colorado Rapids promises to be an exciting and challenging encounter. Both teams have faced recent obstacles, but they continue to strive for positive results. Will FC Cincinnati's unbeaten streak prevail, or will the Rapids find their winning form once again? Tune in to find out!
