FC Cincinnati heads to Gettler Stadium to kick off their next to last preseason match as they play the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Check out our 5 Things to Know in the lead-up to FC Cincinnati’s third season in the USL.

Where: Cincinnati, OH. – Gettler Stadium at University of Cincinnati

When: Wednesday, March 7rd at 6:30 p.m. EST

2017 Form: FC Cincinnati (USL) – 6th Place (12W-10L-10D, 46 pts), University of Cincinnati (NCAA) – 8th Place (7W-9L-1D, 22pts)

5 Things to Know

Damage Control: Probably the most important aspect of this game will be coming away without any knocks. We recently saw Dekel Keinan suffer a split brow in the game against Nashville. Even though Keinan should be OK for the season, the line between cut and concussion is razor thin. The weather for Wednesday will be chilly, below 40 degrees, making players more susceptible to injury. Coach Austin Berry may have the most important job in getting the players properly stretched and warmed up. Walking away injury free will probably make most fans happy.

Make an impression: With Saturday’s matchup looming, I imagine Coach Alan Koch will limit a majority of Sacramento game starters to 15-20 minutes in this game. That would leave this game as one of the last times some players can make an impression in a game environment. Even though I envision every player on this roster will get significant minutes throughout the season I expect Koch has seven to eight players locked in as his primary players, leaving three to four spots that will have a rotation.

Cardio: With Jimmy McLaughlin and Josu returning from injury causing a delay in their match fitness I would expect them to get a long run out and wear their legs out. These two players will contribute to the team and will provide options along the left side of the pitch. It is important that Josu and McLaughlin get fit for the season-long grind. They both should factor into the clubs plans in 2018.

Death by 1,000 cuts: Opponents will not be able to contain the boys in Blue and Orange just by shutting down one player. This year we have goals from nine different players. While last year we were limited mainly to our forwards (Djiby, Danni König) scoring, this year seven of our nine goals have come from other positions. FC Cincinnati has produced five goals from their midfield (Lance Laing, Daniel Haber, Emmanuel Ledesma, Garrett Halfhill, Corben Bone) and two from their defenders (Keinan, Forrest Lasso). I could easily see McLaughlin and König tallying in this game to keep the momentum going.

Love of the Game: This will be the second of three matchups against local universities (Dayton, March 24). FC Cincinnati has made it a point to share its brand around the region. That has not only helped FC Cincinnati out but has helped spread the love of the beautiful game. As soccer continues to increase in support throughout the country, FCC has capitalized on the momentum and improved its following and hopefully helped other local teams improve their following as well.

Viewing

STREAM: Stream is not available. We will have coverage on site and will LIVE TWEET to the best of our ability. Also look out for recap Saturday evening.

Stay tuned to our Twitter handle – @CincySoccerTalk, for updated information.

@khoetker or @CincySoccerTalk