Minnesota United aims to disrupt FC Cincinnati’s MLS playoff push

On Wednesday night, Minnesota United meets FC Cincinnati at Allianz Field in a match about more than three points. You have FC Cincinnati on one side, the visitors, who have clinched their spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs but need to rebuild momentum after some ups and downs recently. On the other end of the pitch is Minnesota United, fighting through inconsistency this season, looking for just the right time to find its best form.

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This is an East vs. West Conference showdown, with this match marking the final trip out west this season for Cincinnati, who have been nothing short of remarkable on the road. With nine away wins already in the bank this term, Pat Noonan's team has an opportunity to break the MLS record for most away wins in a single season. But Minnesota is at home for the first time since August, and they'll be looking to make Allianz Field a fortress while fighting for a playoff spot.

Minnesota United: In Search of Consistency

It has been a rollercoaster type of season for Minnesota United. Injuries, international call-ups, and newcomers to the club during the transfer window have made match-to-match changes in the lineup, thus making rhythm hard to find. The word to best summarize the Loons thus far into the season is "inconsistency."

That said, there's some hope. The addition of new Designated Player Kelvin Yeboah has brought new light into the team, especially in company with Bongokuhle Hlongwane. The latter two have grown their combination bit by bit and reflected that in Minnesota's two wins in succession. Successive wins over New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids showed Minnesota is capable of a high level of gameplay. Now, the challenge is sustaining that. There is no better test than taking on a top-tier opponent in Cincinnati to prove that this team has found its groove.

But that all makes for big pressure on the Loons. With 11 wins, 11 losses, and 6 draws in this season Minnesota is in a very precarious spot on the Western Conference table, the playoffs are within grasp but far from guaranteed. Every match now is a final, and the game against Cincinnati may be their toughest so far.

FC Cincinnati: Consistency with a Purpose

On the other side, FC Cincinnati has been building into one of the most consistent teams in MLS under Pat Noonan. A season that has ensured playoff qualifications and secured them the Supporters' Shield in 2022 saw this team come strong, though stumbling in recent times. This, by beating Columbus Crew last Saturday in an obstinate draw, punched their early playoff qualification ticket; but head coach Noonan made that clear-there's still much work to be done.

What Noonan wants now is the right balance and a trend of consistency in the remaining matches to be in the best condition in the playoffs. The defeats against Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup raised doubts about their momentum, but they did not wipe out the great performance in general in 2024. Cincinnati has a good defense, and the attack with players like Luciano Acosta is always very dangerous.

With their ticket to the playoffs already punched, the next few games will still be important for determining a higher spot in the standings and the all-important advantage of home-field in the postseason. The race atop the Eastern Conference is continuing to be wide open, and any misstep could prove costly down the stretch. Therefore, the game against Minnesota provides the chance to get into a rhythm once more and ensure that the team goes into the playoffs filled with confidence.

Away Form Weight

For FC Cincinnati, the biggest strength lately this season has been performing fantastically on the road. In fact, they have won nine away matches, a number above that of any team in the league. And for now, Cincinnati faces Minnesota to get closer to breaking the record for most single-season road wins in MLS. That is definitely a testimony to a well-organized team that can easily adapt its style of playing anywhere.

On the other hand, Allianz Field in Minnesota could be what might give it a separating factor. Despite the inconsistency, the Loons know how to make use of the energy from their in-state home-field support for big performances. Playing at home in the final stretch of the season is an advantage Minnesota need to capitalize on, especially against strong opponents like Cincinnati.