Following a rough week in New York and Washington, FC Dallas heads back out on the road tomorrow night when they take on FC Cincinnati. This will be the first meeting between the two clubs at TQL Stadium.
Both teams enter Wednesday's clash fresh off weekend losses, with Cincinnati losing 4-2 on Sunday evening in Atlanta.
Let's dive into Wednesday's opponent to see how FC Dallas can figure out a way to return home from Ohio with some points.
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Key Player: Evander
The Brazilian came over from Portland right before the start of the 2025 season. After a stellar season in Portland last year, Evander has continued his form this season in Ohio as he has seven goals and five assists on the season.
Key Matchup: Kevin Denkey vs Osaze Urhoghide
The two newcomers have been bright spots for their respective clubs this season. Denkey has eight goals already this season and has been an utter force in front of the goal. Limiting the service to him will be one thing, but also finding ways to keep him from getting chances will be another that Urhoghide will need to be on his best game to do.
Availability Report1:
Suspended: none
Out: Nick Hagglund (ribs)
Questionable: Yuya Kubo (hamstring)
On Loan: Álvaro Barreal (Santos)
International duty: none
Quick Notes:
All-time vs FCD: The two clubs have only met twice in the regular season since Cincinnati joined MLS. FC Dallas picked up the win in the first meeting, then FCC got revenge last season in Frisco.
All-time at home vs FCD: Wednesday will be the first meeting in Ohio between the two clubs.
Quick turnarounds: This is the middle game between two weekend matches for Cincinnati, marking the third time in club history that they’re playing three games in seven days.
Recent form: Cincinnati is 2-2-1 in their last five games, including a Sunday evening loss at Atlanta. All of their losses this season have come away from home.
Comparing the two clubs: Yeah, Cincinnati is lethal in the penalty area, so far this season they've scored a majority of their goals from close range.
Potential Lineup:
Pat Noonan could rotate some of his roster a bit considering they played on the road Sunday evening.
Celentano; Engel, Robinson, Miazga, Orellano, Yedlin; Nwobodo, Busha; Evander, Denkey, Santos
Keys To Three Points over Cincinnati
- Spread them wide: In the last two or three matches, when FC Dallas is able to push the ball wide in the build up play and stretch the opposition’s defense just enough, good things have happened. If Dallas can find ways to force turnovers in the midfield and push the ball through the wings into the attack, they will likely find quality chances on goal as a result.
- Remain tight in the back: Defensively, Dallas has to do a lot of what they did in Seattle. Be tight, compact and limit the quality chances on goal from happening. While Seattle has more chances in the match, the quality of them weren’t that high until the penalty kick. Dallas will need a repeat of limiting chances in their penalty area on the road.
- Let Lucho cook: Going up against a former club is always a tricky thing for a player. Acosta left on somewhat rocky terms before being traded to Dallas this preseason. This game feels like the perfect spot for him to breakout of his springtime funk and guide FC Dallas to a big victory.
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1 Note: MLS has a injury report deadline that doesn’t hit until the day before each game. Our scouting reports will include last week's report and will be fully updated the day before with our injury report for FC Dallas.
