FC Cincinnati Takes on Orlando City in Crucial MLS Match This Sunday

CINCINNATI, Ohio — FC Cincinnati will host Orlando City SC this Sunday in a pivotal MLS matchup at TQL Stadium, as both teams fight for playoff positioning. Scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, this game spotlights two clubs with high stakes in the Eastern Conference, where standings are extremely tight.

FCC is coming off a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC, which ended a three-game home losing streak. This match marks their second-to-last home game of the season, and head coach Pat Noonan acknowledges the importance of leveraging home advantage as the playoffs approach.

“Every game right now, you see we’re fighting for playoff seeding,” Noonan stated. “The goal at the beginning of the year was to get a home playoff game in that first round. Now it’s about how many home games we can get based on these results.”

Orlando City, currently sixth in the East, is just two points away from the playoff spots, demonstrating the competitive nature of the conference. Noonan emphasized the need for FCC to be wary of Orlando’s strengths, given their past performances.

<p“They're a very strong team,” he said. “Their consistency and balance make them competitive. They have a lot of really strong players all over the field.”

In addition, FCC will celebrate Noche Latina during the game, featuring various activations in and around the stadium. Fans can tune in on Major League Soccer Season Pass or catch the game via local radio stations.

This weekend’s match will be the first Sunday Night Soccer event at TQL Stadium, following a previously disappointing Sunday match against Atlanta United FC earlier this season. FC Cincinnati aims to alter their Sunday home performance, where they have not secured a win since their playoff opener last year.

On a noteworthy individual level, midfielder Evander is on the brink of breaking the all-time club record for goals in a season. With 21 goals this year, he has a chance to secure his legacy with FCC as he plays in at least five remaining games.

In their previous encounter this season, FCC managed a 2-1 victory over Orlando at their stadium, which sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming game. However, FCC has struggled at home against Orlando, losing both of their previous meetings at TQL Stadium.

As FC Cincinnati strives to maintain momentum for their playoff campaign, the matchup against Orlando City SC promises excitement and high intensity.