FC Cincinnati v Philadelphia Union: Noonan stays cool on magnitude of crunch MLS clash

FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan claimed "every game is important" as he aimed to cool down the temperature ahead of a crunch clash with the Philadelphia Union. 

Cincinnati sit second in MLS' Eastern Conference heading into Saturday's contest, having suffered three consecutive home defeats, scoring only one goal across that stretch while conceding four.

Despite creating plenty of chances – averaging 14 shots and nearly five efforts on target per match in that run – their lack of a clinical edge has proven costly.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, have been beaten once in their last six league outings, averaging two goals scored per match while maintaining a defensive record of just one goal conceded per game. Indeed, they have lost just three of their last 20 games across all competitions and sit top of the East and MLS overall.

However, the Union have shown some frailty on the road, losing three of their previous six away matches.

Cincinnati’s head coach Noonan expressed his thoughts on the business end of the campaign, as he urged his team not to get stuck up on one match.

He said: "Every game is important. We said it before this one, it's all going to feel like games where you have to get results - and that wasn't the case.

"It shouldn't change as far as urgency, it's attention to detail. Each game will look different. Hopefully we'll get a couple of pieces back, to continue to push the depth and the competition and have a better performance against our next opponent here.

"It never changes when you have new additions. The timing is such that you try to get them up to speed quickly. We've already started the process with some of that, we' see who can adapt and get comfortable as quickly as possible.

"As players and coaches we can help integrate these new pieces to see if we can come together in a good way to connect it all at this stage."

Having scored against the Chicago Fire last weekend, the Union's newest signing Milan Iloski will be hoping to add to his MLS tally on Saturday.

"First impressions have been great, and I am excited to be here," Iloski said. 

"Once I found out Philly was an option, it was a pretty easy decision for me to make. Everyone knows the club as one of the best clubs in the league every year. 

"I can feel the culture here. I can definitely see the team has a clear style. I love to win, so to come in and be a part of a winning team is amazing."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cincinnati - Evander

Evander has been one of Cincinnati’s shining lights this season, featuring in 26 games of their 28 games, with the Brazilian registering 24 goal involvements (16 goals and eight assists), the most of any player at the club.

The 27-year-old will be eager to be the difference for his side come Saturday, and he is well in the running for the MVP award this term.

Philadelphia - Tai Baribo

Baribo has enjoyed a scintillating campaign with the Union, chipping in with 18 goal involvements (16 goals and two assists) this term, meaning the Israel international has contributed to 37.5% of Philadelphia’s 48 goals in 2024.

Baribo is currently joint-third (alongside Evander) in MLS’ top scorers so far this season, with only Sam Surridge and Lionel Messi scoring more.

MATCH PREDICTION: CINCINNATI WIN

Cincinnati have recorded three consecutive home victories over Philadelphia in regular-season matches, matching their second-longest home league winning streak against a single opponent—currently, only a four-game active run against Miami is longer.

Noonan's team have failed to score in three of their last four MLS matches, including each of their last two home games. Prior to this scoring drought, Cincinnati had netted a goal in each of their previous 13 regular-season home matches.

On Saturday, Iloski became the 18th player to score a goal for the Union this season, while Kai Wagner joined the ranks of players with multiple goals, becoming the tenth to do so this term. Philadelphia lead the league in the number of different players contributing goals this year and are tied with the Vancouver Whitecaps for the most players with multiple goals scored.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

FC Cincinnati: 43.1%

Draw: 26.7%

Philadelphia: 30.2%