Two struggling teams face off as the New York Red Bulls host FC Cincinnati at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night.
New York is winless in their last four matches and blew a lead in a 3-2 loss to New England on Saturday while FC Cincinnati hasn't won in their last six outings, their last contest a 0-0 draw against D.C. United.
Team news
New York will be without Youba Diarra (hamstring), Cameron Harper (hip), Aaron Long (achilles) and Andres Reyes (hamstring). Patryk Klimala (glute) and Daniel Royer (thigh) are questionable.
A trio of players will be missing for the Orange and Blue as defenders Zico Bailey and Maikel van der Werff are out with hip and sports hernia injuries, respectively. Forward Calvin Harris will be absent with a meniscus problem.
Predicted lineups
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; Duncan, Edwards, Tarek, Tolkin; Yearwood, Davis; Casseres Jr., Clark; Klimala, Fabio
FC Cincinnati: Vermeer; Mataritta, Vallecilla, Cameron, Gyau; Stanko, Cruz, Kubo, Barreal; Acosta; Brenner
Ones to watch
Caden Clark has excelled at Red Bull Arena this year, recording four goals and three assists. The 18-year old has tallied a goal or an assist in his last six home matches.
Much of the Orange and Blue's success will hinge on midfielder Luciano Acosta. The 27-year old Argentine leads the club with four goals and three assists. After scoring three goals in the first 12 matches of the season, forward Alvaro Barreal hasn't scored in five matches and is another key piece to Cincinnati's attack.
Previous meeting
Last September 29th, the Orange and Blue secured a 1-0 victory at Red Bull Arena. Haris Medunjanin scored five minutes from time to secure all three points.
Cincinnati were more dangerous in attack as Brandon Vazquez had a pair of chances, but he was ruled to be in an offside position when he scored on a back-post header in the 34th minute and then denied by a David Jensen kick save in the 72nd minute after being played in on goal by Yuya Kubo.
Jurgen Locadia also had two opportunities in the first half, but he was first denied by Jensen and later fired wide of the far post until Medunjanin curled his effort over Jensen, off the back post and in for his first goal with the club.
How to watch
The match will be streamed nationally on ESPN+. The MSG Network will televise all of the action in New York while Star64 has full coverage in Cincinnati. Kick-off is set for 8pm Eastern time.