FC Cincinnati travels down to Richmond, VA to take on one of the USL’s old guard, the Richmond Kickers. Here are 5 Things to Know going into Saturday night’s match as well as the new March to Matchday podcast!

Where: Richmond, VA – City Stadium

When: Saturday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. EST

Form: FC Cincinnati (2W-3L-2D, 8pts.) 8th Place, Richmond Kickers ( 2W-4L-0D, 6pts.) 12th Place

WE SENT YOSIEF TO STEAL THIS REFEREE’S RED CARD THIS WEEK – Ref Assignments:

REF: CHARLES MURPHY, AR1: Gregory Brigman, AR2: Ryan Graves, 4TH: James Walker

March to Matchday #8 – Podcast with Guest Matt Myers of @RVAisRed

Join host Bryan Weigel for the newest addition to Cincinnati Soccer Talk lineup with special guest Matt Myers of @RVAisRed. March to Matchday will provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming opponent as well as how FC Cincinnati can best defeat them. This show will hopefully fit in your drive time to work, to the pub on game day or lead you right up to game time. We hope you enjoy March to Matchday #8!

Don’t forget you can now download and subscribe to Cincinnati Soccer Talk on iTunes today! The podcast can also be found on Stitcher Smart Radio now. We’re also available in the Google Play Store.

5 Things to Know

DOWN BUT NOT OUT – Do you know the saying “kick them while they are down.” Doesn’t it feel that way after this past week? Another red card, suspension, and overall general hate for FCC on social media or in the press. Well, guess what? We have not achieved the results we have wanted or played as well as we know we can, but your Orange & Blue are still in the top half of the table. A win or good run in form over the next 4 matches could see FCC vault up in the table. As you have seen with Saint Louis and Tampa Bay, it is hard to get 3 points on the road so let’s calm ourselves down and see what will happen over the course of May. There are 25 matches still to go.

BIG CAT TIME – With the suspensions of FC Cincinnati strikers Djiby Fall and Andy Craven, who will Coach Koch go to for this week’s match? I am itching to see the “Big Cat” Omar Cummings. Is he ready to go 90′? Maybe not, but a calm veteran presence on this team could be what we need right now. Wiedeman played well and I would be fine with him, but I think a “jump start” is needed. Hopefully, Omar can get FCC off the proverbial mat.

AGGRESSION OR PASSION – Fans have been questioning the squad’s susceptibility to committing fouls and cards. Is it a question of the player’s aggression or is it their passion to win matches and get the team on the right foot? I believe it is a bit of both. Aggression certainly isn’t reflected in the demeanor of Koch, who is certainly more calm on the sideline. But his and the squad’s passion cannot be questioned in these performances. I like a little of each, we just need to make sure that passion doesn’t turn into over aggression when our chips are down.

ROWDY CITY STADIUM – Crowds of 8021, 7603 and 4973 have made it through the turnstiles at City Stadium in 2017. Richmond sure has turned red this season and the support at Saturday’s match is to be high as well. Look for the Kickers to be energized in their home environment, giving them an added boost. On this week’s CST Show & podcast, we made some comments about shaking up of the FC Cincinnati roster. Will Coach Koch run out the tried and true or look to use some youngsters who can feed off the crowd’s energy or stick to a veteran group to see out 1 point? Regardless, this is one of the most difficult places to play in USL.

CAN THE KICKERS MAKE IT COUNT – Richmond have not been the most proficient offensive team this season. Through 6 matches, they have only scored 3 and have allowed 5. DC United loanee, Alhaji Kamara should start up top, but will look to get most of his chances of corners or counter attacks. Through 6 matches, Richmond has only put 12 chances on frame, so they must finish these chances if presented. The defense has been bolstered by the presence of former FC Cincinnati defender Evan Lee who sometimes lines up as part of a three-man backline. The Kickers give up less than a goal per match and offer a physical presence that will make it tough for FC Cincinnati.

Stay tuned to Cincinnati Soccer Talk for our Growler Cup Staff Predictions and more news and information leading up to the match!

Viewing Parties

The supporters groups will be taking up residence at their favorite away match viewing locations. See the list below for more information.

Die Innenstadt: Rhinehaus OTR – 19 E 12th St, Cincinnati 45202

The Pride: Ladder 19 – 2701 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219

Queen City Firm: J Taps Sports Bar & Grill – 6441 Glenway Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45211

Queen City Mafia: Cock & Bull Clifton – 2801 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45219

The Bailey Bastards: Bucketheads – 6507 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45247



Viewing

TV: This contest is set for a 7 p.m. EST kickoff on Saturday night. Broadcasting partner Sinclair Broadcasting Group will now air all FC Cincinnati home & away matches. Saturday’s match will be live on Star64 (WSTR). The match will also be broadcast at FC Cincinnati’s pub partners or by Streaming internet on USL’s Youtube station.

@BryanWeigel for @CincySoccerTalk

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