Jacquie Thomas Senior Director, Administration | Official Website
Jacquie Thomas Senior Director, Administration | Official Website
Philadelphia Union are set to face FC Cincinnati in Ohio for a Leagues Cup Round of 16 matchup. The game, which will be broadcast on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass at 7:30 PM, marks their second visit to FC Cincinnati this year. Unlike their previous encounter during MLS play, this match is a knockout round, and the stakes are high.
"We'll go there as the underdog, and we'll go there and be brave. We know it's going to take a really good performance in their building to survive and advance, but it's become a great rivalry," said Head Coach Jim Curtin in his pregame press conference. "We tend to bring the best out of each other. I agree with that, and I expect another great game here in Leagues Cup."
Curtin confirmed that all regular contributors are fit for the trip despite some injuries sustained during their recent 2-0 win against Montreal.
Their last visit to TQL Stadium was marked by a physical battle featuring three equalizers from Philadelphia Union and two goals from Tai Baribo. The match ended in a narrow 4-3 loss for Philadelphia Union. However, with Andre Blake back in goal and the team at full strength, they hope for a different outcome this time.
“Cincinnati is a tough opponent. We've had some really good battles with them in the past couple years,” said midfielder Quinn Sullivan after training on Sunday. “Our last result was a difficult one to take in Cincinnati and heading back there, we know it's gonna take a lot. They're a really good team, second in the East right now. We know the talent they have, but we're in a good run of form, so we got to continue to push with the momentum we have, fight and get a result.”
FC Cincinnati advanced to the Round of 16 following a penalty shootout victory over Liga MX side Santos Laguna on Friday night. They overcame an early deficit when Luca Orellano scored six minutes after Santos Laguna's opening goal. Despite numerous attempts to avoid penalties—20 shots leading to six saves by Santos' keeper—the match went into penalties where FC Cincinnati won 6-5.
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