This weekend, the Chicago Fire will take on FC Cincinnati, a team they have inexplicably struggled to beat at home over the years. Still yet to win, it will be a tough match for the Fire, especially considering that FC Cincy is one of the most in-form teams in MLS. To get to know the week 4 opponent better, we spoke with Ethan Thomas.
The Fire got the better of FC Cincinnati last season, winning 3-2 thanks to a breakout game for Brian Gutiérrez and a Jhon Durán brace. How did Cincy change over the offseason heading into this season?
The biggest addition Cincinnati made was bringing in Mosquera from Wolves on a loan. If you looked at our backline the last time we played we had Geoff Cameron, Matt Miazga, and Nick Hagglund playing. Those three aren’t the quickest center backs, Mosquera brings a lot of pace to this backline. Our usual backline right now is usually Mosquera, Miazga, and Hagglund however I would look for Ian Murphy to start due to Haglund’s red card. Mosquera
Cincinnati are unbeaten after three matches, including home wins over Houston and Seattle. How have they looked so far in those games?
They have been off to a good start! The Orlando game was tough to watch, they left points on the board, and it was a sloppy game for both teams. Houston was a good but tough game, FCC did something that we haven’t done at all in our time in MLS, close out a game. The Seattle game is probably the best game that really shows how dangerous this team can be. We saw them close out a game out, while down a man and with Alvas Powell as a center-back.
Which players should Fire fans keep a close eye on this weekend?
There are two players to keep an eye on are Alvaro Barreal at Left Wingback and Obinna Nwobodo. Barreal is very dangerous in the attack for us. He already has an assist to his name this season and has had a couple good shots so far. Nwobodo is electric to watch, he is fast and will track down any player from any given point on the field. He does have a goal to his name and will no doubt be looking for more.
