MLS Matchday 30 Information
- Who: FC Cincinnati (17-3-6, 57 points) vs Orlando City SC (12-6-8, 44 points)
- When: Saturday, September 2, 2023 – 7:30 PM EST
- Where: TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH, USA
- How To Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass
2023 Matchup
- March 4, 2022: Orlando City SC 0 – FC Cincinnati 0
Key Storylines
FC Cincinnati’s 12-0-1 record on the season at TQL stadium is tied for the best through 13 home matches to start a season with the 2002 San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes lost their 14th of the season at home in 2002, so FC Cincinnati, with a win or draw, would now be the sole owners of the most points after the first 14 home matches of the season.
FC Cincinnati clinched a playoff berth on Wednesday, when they beat Atlanta United 2-1. They’re now 5 wins and a draw away from winning the Supporter’s Shield, and the math can quickly go in the favor of the Orange and Blue if results from other contending sides go in their favor.
Luciano Acosta now leads the league in goals (13) and goal contributions (24). The Argentine midfielder has 11 assists on the season (MLS counts “hockey assists” as assists), good for 4th in all of MLS.
Orlando’s 22 road points is the most in MLS this season. Orlando City have an identical home and away record coming into Saturday’s match. (6-3-4, 22 points)
FC Cincinnati have only shut out a team in three consecutive matchups once – the New York Red Bulls (7/22/20 CIN 2-0 RBNY, 9/19/20 RBNY 0-1 CIN, 8/4/21 RBNY 0-0 CIN). FC Cincinnati have shut out Orlando in their last two matchups, and have a chance to make it three consecutive matches on Saturday.
Roman Celentano signed an extension through the 2027 season with FC Cincinnati. The 2nd overall pick out of Indiana University in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft already has the club record in saves (158) and clean sheets (15).
Cover Photo: Eduardo Villalobos (IG: @edvillalobos13)
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