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FC Cincinnati Vs Philadelphia Union: Week 5 Preview

By Vince Senick

CHESTER, PA - JULY 07: Union Head Coach Jim Curtin reacts to fans as he walks onto the field before the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA - JULY 07: Union Head Coach Jim Curtin reacts to fans as he walks onto the field before the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – MARCH 17: FC Cincinnati fans are seen before the game against the Portland Timbers at Nippert Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – MARCH 17: FC Cincinnati fans are seen before the game against the Portland Timbers at Nippert Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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Philadelphia Union

People cannot take too much away from the Union’s 3-0 win over Columbus last weekend. But what they can be excited about is that they finally were able to put the ball in the back of the net. The Union seemed to have a mental block when they got near the goal, firing more shots in the stands than on target. The attack has been prolific every game this season, so to finally see some goals scored is a promising site.

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Jim Curtin gets to bring back Marco Fabian and Corey Burke to this attack, while also having David Accam who showed out against Columbus. It also appears likely that Jamiro Monteiro will be available for the first time, so Curtin will surely get him on the field for some action. The team looked more comfortable in the 4-2-3-1 they played against Columbus, but I would expect the team to get back into the 4-4-2 diamond for this one.

If the Union squander early opportunities I could see Curtin making big changes throughout the game, but the team he fields has enough class to get the job done.

FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati has given up just one goal in their last 270 minutes and are currently on a 180-minute streak without conceding. The Orange and Blue have a tough backline with former Whitecaps anchor Kendall Watson and former Atlanta United left-back Greg Garza. The two join Cincinnati native and former Toronto FC defender Nick Hagglund.

Spencer Richey has also enjoyed a great start to the season allowing just one goal on nine shots, pitching two consecutive shutouts. Richey has had back-to-back weeks where he pulled off fantastic double saves for FCC. Victor Ulloa is a tough holding midfielder who commits a lot of fouls and makes it tough for attacking players to get to the backline.

FC Cincinnati has a fast attacking offense and a tough defense making them a very difficult team to deal with. If they can stay firm at the back, then they should have no issues with the Union, but if they get leaky in the back the Union should be able to take advantage.

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