Major League Soccer expansion club Charlotte FC are coming off of their first-ever league win. On Saturday, Charlotte host FC Cincinnati in an Eastern Conference showdown as they seek a second straight win.
Cincinnati are on a two-match winning streak in MLS. A 2-1 win over Orlando City was followed by a 3-1 victory over Inter Miami. Now, the Orange and Blue head to the southeast seeking a third straight win in MLS play.
Neither Charlotte nor Cincinnati were expected to earn a playoff place this season. However, both clubs are trying to upset those early predictions.
Charlotte have taken just three points from their opening 12 on offer in the league. They scored four goals and conceded seven times to begin the campaign. Charlotte’s points have come at home where they are +1 in goals with three for and two against.
Cincinnati took six points from their opening 12 points available. They were outscored 8-5 across their opening four games. Three of Cincinnati’s six points have come on the road. However, they are –4 in goals away from home with two scored and six conceded.
Charlotte manager Miguel Angel Ramirez has three players on the team’s injury list ahead of Saturday. Vinicius Mello is ruled out with a left foot injury. He recently underwent an operation to fix the injury issue.
Chris Hegardt is ruled out as well. Hegardt has a left knee problem. Ramirez could have Yordy Reyna available following a right thigh injury. For now, Reyna is a doubt to make the squad.
Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan will be without John Nelson and Allan Cruz. Noonan is waiting on the fitness of Gustavo Vallecilla and Ray Gaddis. Both are doubts at the moment.
Polish forward Karol Swiderski leads Charlotte in goals with two this season. Both goals came in Charlotte’s recent 3-1 win over New England Revolution.
Cincinnati are led in goals by American forward Brandon Vazquez with four goals. Vazquez scored twice in Cincinnati’s recent 3-1 win against Inter Miami. Cincinnati’s Junior Moreno has been a key member of the squad this season.
Moreno arrived from DC United in the offseason. His work in the team’s attacking third has been valuable to the cause thus far. According to reports, Cincinnati are seeking further additions before MLS closes its transfer registration window in early May.
Saturday’s game is the first-ever regular season meeting between these teams. Charlotte will be playing at home and should have a strong home crowd behind them. The expansion side should post another win with under 2.5 goals scored.