Highlights from this week’s show.

Coach Gough and Justin look at big takeaways from FC Cincinnati’s two losses at home this week: 1-0 to Orlando City and 4-3 to Chicago Fire.

The guys ask the question, are they even trying to win? Or, are they just evaluating players? They break down the pluses and minuses of playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and break down the play of Brandon Vazquez.

Then, as always, they get to your questions in the mailbag!

Support CST!

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Subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk

Don’t forget you can now download and subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk on iTunes today! The podcast can also be found on Stitcher Smart Radio now. We’re also available in the Google Play Store and NOW ON SPOTIFY!

As always we’d love your feedback about our podcast! You can email the show at feedback@cincinnatisoccertalk.com. We’d love for you to join us on our Facebook page as well! Like us at Facebook.com/CincinnatiSoccerTalk.

The show’s RSS feed is https://fcctactalk.libsyn.com/rss

The post Buy or Sell: FC Cincinnati is Still Trying to Win Matches appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Highlights from this week’s show.

On this week’s show Coach and Justin break down the key tactics of FC Cincinnati’s 4-1 loss to the New England Revolution.

Justin provides a professional’s perspective on FC Cincinnati’s offensive philosophy. Is it effective? Does it even exist?

The guys also give their thoughts on Florian Valot’s first start, if Isaac Atanga and Brandon Vazquez made a case for themselves to get more minutes, whether Brenner’s goal is repeatable and much more!

And, of course, they get to your questions in the mailbag!

Support CST!

Want to help support Cincinnati Soccer Talk? Want to become an episode captain? Become a supporter today!

Subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk

Don’t forget you can now download and subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk on iTunes today! The podcast can also be found on Stitcher Smart Radio now. We’re also available in the Google Play Store and NOW ON SPOTIFY!

As always we’d love your feedback about our podcast! You can email the show at feedback@cincinnatisoccertalk.com. We’d love for you to join us on our Facebook page as well! Like us at Facebook.com/CincinnatiSoccerTalk.

The show’s RSS feed is https://fcctactalk.libsyn.com/rss

The post Coach and Justin Break Down FC Cincinnati’s Breakdowns Against New England appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

“Making end-of-year roster decisions is always an important step to take as we continue the process of building a roster that fits our playing philosophy,” General Manager Gerard Nijkamp said. “There are always difficult decisions to be made, and oftentimes, a mutual parting of ways between a player and a club proves to be the best decision for both parties.”

“We have seen the potential in a number of players who have shown their quality and how they can fit within the club’s playing style. We’re also utilizing our partnership with TSG Hoffenheim to evaluate the opportunity with Franko Kovačević to see if there is a fit within our roster following the 2021 preseason.”

Most notable of the moves was the decision to not exercise the 2021 season option for FC Cincinnati’s first captain in MLS, Kendall Waston. The Costa Rican center back made 42 appearances in Orange and Blue over two seasons.

Siem de Jong, one of Gerard Nijkamp’s high profile signings heading into the 2020 season from Ajax will also leave the club. The creative midfielder made 15 appearances but failed to tally a single goal or assist.

Haris Medunjanin saw his option exercised after an impressive season appearing in 21 matches, starting 19. According to Laurel Pfahler, Medunjanin had a trigger in his contract that would exercise his option based on playing time. It is believed that he met these requirements having played in the bulk of the matches this season.

The club  remains in negotiations with Andrew Gutman, Joesph-Claude Gyau, Nick Hagglund, Caleb Stanko, and Przemysław Tytoń.

The club’s current roster decisions for 2021 are as follows:

• A total of 12 players have guaranteed contracts for the 2021 season: Saad Abdul-Salaam, Frankie Amaya, Alvaro Barreal, Allan Cruz, Franko Kovačević, Yuya Kubo, Jürgen Locadia, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Tom Pettersson, Beckham Sunderland, Maikel van der Werff, and Brandon Vazquez
• Four players are out of contract in 2021: Andrew Gutman, Nick Hagglund, Spencer Richey and Przemysław Tytoń
• FC Cincinnati will exercise the 2021 contract options on three players: Zico Bailey, Ben Lundt, and Haris Medunjanin
• Finally, FCC will decline the 2021 contract options on 12 players: Rashawn Dally, Siem de Jong, Mathieu Deplagne, Greg Garza, Joseph-Claude Gyau, Bobby Edwards, Tommy McCabe, Jimmy McLaughlin, Hassan Ndam, Rey Ortiz, Caleb Stanko, and Kendall Waston

“We felt it was important to make these decisions swiftly to not only provide an opportunity for the players who are no longer part of our organization to have the maximum amount of time to find a new opportunity, but also to provide us the roster flexibility as we prepare for more additions ahead of the new season,” Nijkamp said.

Check out the latest CST Salary Budget Tracker with up to date estimates for the 2021 season.

FC Cincinnati’s current roster headed into 2021, listed alphabetically by position, is below:

Goalkeepers (2): Ben Lundt, Beckham Sunderland

Defenders (4): Saad Abdul-Salaam, Zico Bailey, Tom Pettersson, Maikel van der Werff

Midfielders (6): Frankie Amaya, Alvaro Barreal, Allan Cruz, Yuya Kubo, Haris Medunjanin, Kamohelo Mokotjo

Forwards (3): Franko Kovačević, Jürgen Locadia, Brandon Vazquez

Stay tuned to Cincinnati Soccer Talk for more details about the 2021 season including this afternoon’s press conference with General Manager Gerard Nijkamp and Head Coach Jaap Stam.

The post FC Cincinnati Announces Roster Moves Heading into the 2021 Season appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

WHAT TO WATCH

Atlanta is a shell of its former self. The season-ending injury to Josef Martinez, the transfer of Miguel Almiron to Newcastle, the inconsistent play of Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez and of course coaching changes makes the club far different from the one that won the 2018 MLS Cup under Tata Martino. Atlanta has floundered under Frank de Boer and hasn’t shown an upward trajectory under interim coach Stephen Glass. That said, the team is not without talent. Recent designated player signing Marcelino Moreno is looking very promising, and FC Cincinnati needs to keep a watchful eye on him to prevent him from having a break out game and giving Atlanta the spark it has been looking for.

Atlanta has been fairly predictable this season, taking almost all of their shots off of crosses into the box. FC Cincinnati coach Jaap Stam has kept the backline consistent with Nick Hagglund and Tom Pettersson since the win against Columbus, but will he make an adjustment and bring in Kendell Waston, who will win almost every aerial dual in the box?

FC Cincinnati couldn’t buy a goal at this point. Chances are being created, but the team can’t even convert a penalty kick. With Yuya Kubo getting some minutes in the previous match against Sporting Kansas City, we may see him get more playing time on the wing. Siem de Jong has had opportunities as a false 9 but has not been able to score. Maybe it’s time to move Jurgen Locadia back to the 9 spot and let him and Kubo and Joseph-Claude Gyau all float around the front three positions.

STANDINGS

FC Cincinnati currently sits in last place (14th) in the East with a -21 goal differential. Atlanta United sits one position above Cincinnati (13th) with a goal differential of -8. In their last five matches, FC Cincinnati has four losses and a win, while Atlanta has four losses and a draw.

FC Cincinnati: 4-13-4, 16 pts.
Atlanta United FC: 5-12-4, 19 pts.

PREVIOUS CONTESTS

Atlanta United FC and FC Cincinnati have had four MLS matches in their history. Overall, the head to head record is 1-2-1 for FC Cincinnati with Atlanta getting the best of the Orange and Blue.

July 16, 1-0 FC Cincinnati win
March 7, 2-1 Atlanta United FC win
Sept. 18, 2019, 2-0 Atlanta United FC win
March 10, 2019, 1-1 Draw

AVAILABILITY

Alvaro Barreal, Greg Garza, Caleb Stanko, and Przemyslaw Tyton were not medically cleared to play against Atlanta as of Friday.

DIGGING DEEPER

For “in-the-know” information, listen to March to Matchday where Cincinnati Soccer Talk discusses upcoming matches with media sources from the opposition. On this week’s March to Matchday, Joe Patrick from Dirty South Soccer stops by to preview Sunday night’s matchup between FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United.

For tactical breakdowns and discussions, check out Talking Tactics with Coach Brad Gough. Listen to his analysis of the win against Atlanta in MLS is Back or check out his talk on improvements in the recent form of the squad that should give fans some positives to look for during games.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Game 22
7 p.m. Sunday, Mercedes-Benz Stadium

TV: WSTR Star64

In-Region Video Stream: fccincinnati.com/stream
Out-of-Region Video Stream: ESPN+ 

Local Radio: WDJO (99.5 FM | 107.9 FM | 1480 AM)
Audio Stream: TuneIn App, fccincinnati.com

The post FC Cincinnati trying to climb out of basement in Atlanta appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

WHAT TO WATCH

DC United parted ways with coach Ben Olsen just over a week ago. Since then, interim coach Chad Ashton has lost to Chicago and tied Philadelphia. Sometimes there is a new coach bounce when changes are made, but that does not appear to have happened with D.C., suggesting some more significant changes are required to right the ship. What D.C. was doing wasn’t working, so what does Ashton do to change the trajectory? It’s unclear what that is, but it makes the team fairly unpredictable.

Like the Orange and Blue, D.C. United has not had much luck with their DP signings either. Paul Arriola picked up an injury early in the season, and Edison Flores has not produced any output. Striker Ola Kamara is the leading scorer with three goals. Midfielder Yamil Asad had a great game against Philadelphia netting a goal and an assist. FC Cincinnati can’t ignore a designated player signing, so it’ll need to watch Flores, but should also make sure it keeps Asad and Kamara in check as well.

FC Cincinnati was riddled with injuries in the last match. playing without eight starters from the previous match, but the result was positive. Many of the injuries are now cleared medically. Will FCC go back to the players it relied on earlier or stick with the lineup that got a result in the last match? If Jürgen Locadia is able to play, expect coach Jaap Stam to play him over Brandon Vazquez. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the captain, Kendall Waston, back in the starting lineup either. A large question for many fans is likely whether Frankie Amaya has been resting or has lost his starting position.

STANDINGS

FC Cincinnati currently sits in the 13^th position in the East with a -18 goal differential. D.C. United at the bottom of the table (14th) with a goal differential of -17.

FC Cincinnati: 4-4-10, 16 pts.
D.C. United: 2-6-10, 12 pts.

PREVIOUS CONTESTS

D.C. United and FC Cincinnati have had three MLS matches in their history. D.C. United won the first match, but the previous two matches have been draws.

Aug. 21 0-0 draw
Oct. 6, 2019, 0-0 draw
July 18, 2019, 4-1 D.C. United win

AVAILABILITY

Mathieu Deplagne, Greg Garza and Przemysław Tytoń were not medically cleared to play against D.C. United as of Friday.

Kendall Waston earned his fifth yellow card in the last match against New York City FC, but had his accumulation count reduced by one for good behavior earlier in the season. He does need to be careful, however, to avoid another yellow, or he will be suspended a game.

DIGGING DEEPER

For “in-the-know” information, listen to March to Matchday where Cincinnati Soccer Talk discusses upcoming matches with media sources from the opposition. On this week’s March to Matchday, Ted Meyer visits from the RFK Refugees Podcast.

For tactical breakdowns and discussions, check out Talking Tactics with Coach Brad Gough. Listen to his analysis of the last match against DC United or check out his take on the most recent matches against Toronto and Columbus.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Game 19
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nippert Stadium

TV: WSTR Star64

In-Region Video Stream: fccincinnati.com/stream
Out-of-Region Video Stream: ESPN+ 

Local Radio: WDJO (99.5 FM | 107.9 FM | 1480 AM)
Audio Stream: TuneIn App, fccincinnati.com

The post FC Cincinnati and DC United both looking to capitalize on positive momentum appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Toronto has one of the best attacking combinations in the league, with Alejandro Pozuelo and American youngster Ayo Akinola scoring seven and eight goals respectively. Pozuelo has tallied nine assists this season as well. Even more than against Philadelphia, FC Cincinnati’s defense will need to be completely together and working as a unit to even stand a chance of getting a single point, which is not something the team has been at all capable of doing.

Toronto plays like a unit and a complete team. Even while missing Jozy Altidore, who seems to be receding in quality, the team looks to have a much better player in Akinola. Both Akinola and Pozuelo seem to have formed a partnership allowing both to flourish while on offense.

Toronto’s defense has allowed 16 goals this season, but some of the matches against the worst of teams have been eye-opening. It has allowed two to D.C. United and three to Vancouver. However, these matches were a while ago, but it might show a hint of playing down to its competition. There might be a bit of hope in that sense for FCC.

Since changing to the 4-3-3 formation, FCC has looked alright on the attack but with nothing to show for it. However, the defense has allowed five goals in the two matches, with a few of them being utter travesties. Mathieu Deplagne has been one of the worst performers, continually a hindrance on both sides of the ball. The other three haven’t been much better.

FCC will need to have a new left-back for the match with Greg Garza and Andrew Gutman out for the match. Zico Bailey did well in place of Garza, but that might not be a permanent solution. This is not the best game to be trying out new players but unfortunately, that is the way it might have to be.

FC Cincinnati has also only scored two goals in its last 11 matches. A couple of games ago it was getting into the team’s head, but now it is fully ingrained in their brains. The team is completely anemic in the final third. Jurgen Locadia has had a couple of times outside of the box where he looks like the player FCC wanted, but then he gets the ball inside the box one-on-one against the goalkeeper and every single time, he hits it straight at him. Then, players like Yuya Kubo and Allan Cruz pass the ball to the nearest defenders. We all were hoping to finally see Cruz back with coach Jaap Stam at the helm, but if this is what Stam sees in practice, it’s understandable why he didn’t want to play Cruz.

Two Things to Watch

• FC Cincinnati at home
  • In the small sample size of four matches at home, FCC hasn’t lost yet. While it hasn’t got a single win, it has drawn against both Philadelphia and Columbus. FCC has five home matches remaining, and it will be interesting to see if Nippert Stadium will end its FCC run on a high note.
• FC Cincinnati’s defense vs. Toronto’s front players
  • The FCC defense, with Kendall Waston and Maikel van der Werff, isn’t quite cohesive, and the fullbacks aren’t helpful in that either, especially with a new left-back. Akinola, Pozuelo and the other Toronto front attackers might feast on those defensive mistakes if the FCC defense doesn’t play like a unit.

The post FC Cincinnati faces off against class of East Toronto FC appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

59′ Ilsinho, unassisted

Goal Fault: 50% Mathieu Deplagne, 25% Haris Medunjanin, 15% Yuya Kubo, 5% Maikel van der Werff, 5% other

FC Cincinnati held the Union scoreless through nearly an hour of play. At times the Orange and Blue even looked the more likely to score. However, a poor defensive header, coupled with a lack of effort to win the second ball, provided the breakthrough the Union needed.

The move started with Philadelphia’s Brazilian playmaker, Ilsinho, on the ball. FCC was set up with a very good pressure-cover triangle (blue) to limit the threat. However, Maikel van der Werff, not Zico Bailey, should have been providing cover to Haris Medunjanin’s left. This would have allowed Baliey to shift wider and be in a better position to mark the Union’s outside back surging forward.

Ilsinho found that wide player, and though Bailey moved out to pressure, he couldn’t get close enough to prevent the cross. The FCC defense was well-positioned with a solid pressure-cover triangle (blue), and all players accounted for in the box (yellow).

That’s where any semblance of good play ended. Due to the good positioning, Mathieu Deplagne easily won the defensive header with no pressure from the Union but could only put it straight into the air. A flicked header to the right side, or even out of bounds, would have been a much better decision. As the ball sailed skyward, Deplagne’s teammates were slow to react. Yuya Kubo and Medunjanin showed a particular lack of effort as the ball headed toward the corner of the box nearest them (red).

As Medunjanin and Kubo walked, the ball fell kindly to Ilsinho, who volleyed it goalward. Taking a wicked deflection off of van der Werff, it wound up in the back of the net. 1-0 Union.

73’ Alejandro Bedoya , assisted by Brenden Aaronson

Goal Fault: 55% Mathieu Deplagne, 25% Kendall Waston, 10% Haris Medunjanin, 5% Kamohelo Mokotjo, 5% other

Philadelphia’s second goal came from a bad turnover in the middle third of the field by Deplagne. Eventual goal scorer Brenden Aaronson easily picked Deplagne’s pocket when FCC had solid possession of the ball.

Aaronson played a negative ball to left-back Kai Wagner, then moved to make a run down the sideline. Wagner hit a line splitting pass to striker Kacper Przybylko, closely pressured by Kendall Waston. Przybylko bumped the ball underneath to midfielder Jamiro Monteiro, who had Aaronson streaking down the FCC right sideline completely unaccounted for. During this run of play, Deplagne went for a walkabout, turning to chase the ball and leaving Aaronson in the clear.

Despite this poor play, FC Cincinnati was fairly well-positioned to defend the counter-attack. Van der Werff moved to slow Aaronson on the ball, and Waston hustled back to be in a covering position. Medunjanin dropped hard to the center of the field (blue arrow), while Kamohalo Mokotjo chased the play. Mokotjo should have tracked toward the middle (yellow arrow) instead of toward the ball, leaving Medunjanin to track three Union midfielders.

Aaronson cut inside of both van der Werff and Waston far too easily, opening up a plethora of passing options. With this cut, Medunjanin needed to get his hips turned so he could track both Ilsinho and Alejandro Bedoya.

However, Medunjanin dropped in far too deep to marshall both Union players, and Aaronson easily found Bedoya at the top of the box. The Union captain’s poor first touch popped the ball up, but he was able to catch it with a sweet volley, burying the shot in the side netting. 2-0 Union.

80′ Jack Elliott, assisted by Jamiro Monteiro

Goal Fault: 95% FC Cincinnati Center Backs, 5% other

Philadelphia’s final goal came from a free kick just outside the FC Cincinnati box. Up 2-0, the Union didn’t appear to be aggressive in getting bodies into the box, and the Orange and Blue outnumbered them 6-4. Probably set up in a purely zonal system, the diagram below shows the Union players matched to their corresponding FCC defender.

When defending a free kick zonally, players can’t simply drop straight back toward the net. They need to move to take up space within their zones where attackers are present. Monteiro whipped in a very good ball, but due to a lack of communication FC Cincinnati’s two best defensive headers of the ball, Waston and van der Werff (red), ended up marking no one. 3-0 Union.

Conclusion

I’ve been saying for some time that Deplagne is a defensive liability on this team. The first two goals of this match illustrated this. However, until other players on the pitch stop making simple mistakes, it is tough to single him out entirely. To be competitive defensively, this team needs a new right back, a new left back, and at minimum one new center back. Since the likelihood of those signings coming this year is practically nil, this team better figure out how to start scoring soon.

@fccincytactalk (Brad Gough) for @CincySoccerTalk

Brad Gough is the former head coach of the Cincinnati Lady Saints and Cincinnati Christian University and a former Director of Coaching for Northern Kentucky Soccer Academy.

Tune into the latest Talking Tactics with Coach Gough Podcast as Coach breaks down the Philadelphia Union and Minnesota United losses!

The post How They Happened: A look at the Union’s goals against FC Cincinnati appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Highlights from this week’s show.

On this episode of Talking Tactics, Coach looks back at Saturday’s match against Minnesota United.

After his weekly beer review, Coach then digs into what happened in Philadelphia last night.

Then he wrapped up as usual with your questions in The Mailbag.

Join the 2021 Growler Cup Today

If you’d like to join the Growler Cup, become a $5 supporter of the show today at cincinnatisoccertalk.com/support

Support CST!

Want to help support Cincinnati Soccer Talk? Want to become an episode captain? Become a supporter today!

Subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk

Don’t forget you can now download and subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk on iTunes today! The podcast can also be found on Stitcher Smart Radio now. We’re also available in the Google Play Store and NOW ON SPOTIFY!

As always we’d love your feedback about our podcast! You can email the show at feedback@cincinnatisoccertalk.com. We’d love for you to join us on our Facebook page as well! Like us at Facebook.com/CincinnatiSoccerTalk.

The show’s RSS feed is https://fcctactalk.libsyn.com/rss

The post Looking Back at FC Cincinnati’s Losses to Minnesota and Philadelphia appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Highlights from this week’s show.

Brad, Bryan, and former FC Cincinnati midfielder Michael Lahoud offer up their best and worst from this weekend’s loss against New York City FC.

Reinforcements are coming, both Kamohelo Mokotjo and Alvaro Barreal appear to be in Cincinnati with Mokotjo possible available for this weekend’s match against Minnesota United.

FC Cincinnati currently holds the top spot on the MLS Allocation Order and were rumored to be in for former Seattle Sounder now Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin. However, it sounds like Yedlin will be in staying in England. What would you like to see FC Cincinnati do with their allocation spot?

Join the 2021 Growler Cup Today

If you’d like to join the Growler Cup, become a $5 supporter of the show today at cincinnatisoccertalk.com/support

Support CST!

Want to help support Cincinnati Soccer Talk? Want to become an episode captain? Become a supporter today!

Subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk

Don’t forget you can now download and subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk on iTunes today! The podcast can also be found on Stitcher Smart Radio now. We’re also available in the Google Play Store and NOW ON SPOTIFY!

As always we’d love your feedback about our podcast! You can email the show at feedback@cincinnatisoccertalk.com. We’d love for you to join us on our Facebook page as well! Like us at Facebook.com/CincinnatiSoccerTalk.

The show’s RSS feed is https://cincinnatisoccertalk.libsyn.com/rss

The post Two Steps Forward, One Big Step Back appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Check out Cincinnati Soccer Talk’s post-match report here for more details.

Rules:

• Each player starts off with a 6 as the standard rating. Six signifies an “average performance” for the match.
• Players will receive additions or subtractions to their score based on individual moments and the overall team performance.
• We’ll look at multiple criteria such as stats and the Audi Player Index (API), Who Scored, and Stats Zone to assess a player’s rating.
• A player may receive an N/A  if they are subbed in/off before any quantifiable statistics are available.

Now on to the ratings:

GK- Spencer Richey: (6) 

Richey was only tested once late in the second half when Sergio Santos hit his shot just wide off the post. He probably would have put a hand to it if it was on goal, but that was the only thing that threatened the FC Cincinnati goal all night.

LWB- Andrew Gutman: (6)

Gutman did what was required defensively but needs to find that final ball in the attacking third. He was three of eight in the final third and just fails to pick up the final pass quickly enough.

LCB- Tom Pettersson: (7.5)- Man of the Match 

Pettersson isn’t putting a foot out of line for the Orange & Blue. He had six clearances, five interceptions, and four tackles. He made things difficult for forward Andrew Wooten, who failed to get off a shot.

CB- Kendall Waston: (7)

Waston led the team that picked up its fourth shutout at home this season. To shut out a team like the Union is tremendous, and you have to give Waston a ton of credit for leading the line. He was also tough offensively and nearly got the team ahead on a set piece late in the match.

RCB- Nick Hagglund: (7)

Hagglund followed up his Team of the Week with another solid match. He didn’t put a foot out of line and won six interceptions. He tried to hit some long balls but failed to connect. That will be the next step if he wants to remain in the Starting XI.

RWB- Joseph-Claude Gyau: (6)

Just a very average night for Gyau. He didn’t make much happen for the club on a putrid night offensively. He makes things happen with his feet but needs to improve on his decision making on balls into the box. Too often its effort wasted.

CM- Haris Medunjanin: (6)

Medunjanin had a solid but quiet match. He has performed better than expected on the defensive side of the ball, picking up four interceptions and three clearances. I’m still waiting for him to unlock defenses consistently with his long passing.

CM- Frankie Amaya: (7)

I’m still looking for more in Amaya’s distribution getting the ball into the attacking third, but his defensive stats were terrific. He had eight interceptions and won all four of his tackles. Amaya needs to be careful with loose tackles. The young midfielder picked up his sixth yellow of the season late in the match.

CAM- Allan Cruz: (5.5)

Cruz created one of FC Cincinnati’s only chances but outside of that moment was largely ineffective. I was excited to see him behind the two strikers, but he wasn’t as dynamic as he has shown off the bench in weeks past.

FW- Jurgen Locadia: (5.5)

People will say 5.5 is too low, but I see this as another below-par performance for the designated player. Locadia failed to put the ball on the net on Cruz’s cross into the box into the side netting. He worked hard but played shockingly deep, trying to pick off the ball but failed to do much with it. Most of Locadia’s distribution was side to side, and he failed to put any of his four shots on goal. I think he needs to be higher with a strike partner playing between the centerbacks. When he’s alone or too deep, his possession is too often wasted.

You are the DP striker, you are expected to score. The honeymoon period is over.

FW-  Brandon Vazquez : (5)

Twelve touches, little impact. With Locadia so deep, it was a simple job for the Union centerbacks to keep him in line. We didn’t get to see Vazquez and Locadia play off each other as they did so well in New York.

Sub- Yuya Kubo (68th Minute): (5.5)

Yuya Kubo came in for Vazquez midway through the second half. He failed to make much of a difference in the match. Really was expecting a fresh Kubo to attack the Union backline, but it failed to materialize.

Sub- Mathieu Deplagne (80th Minute): (N/A)

Deplagne subbed in for Hagglund and pushed Gyau a bit higher up the field.

Injury Notes:  Saad Abdul- Salaam (ankle), Siem de Jong (calf), and Jimmy McLaughlin (ankle).

Out: Kamohelo Mokotjo (work visa), Alvaro Barreal (work visa) and Przemysław Tytoń (travel quarantine).

@bradleysweigel for @CincySoccerTalk

The post Player Ratings: FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.