FC Cincinnati beat the New York Red Bulls in Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs after a marathon 12-yard shootout to advance to the East Coast Top 4 stage, but I'm a little worried about them ahead of their matchup against the Philadelphia Union.
Several of FC Cincinnati's key defensive players have been suffering from injuries, and one of them, Chagallonte, has even called it an early night. Recently voted as the USL Defender of the Year, there is a chance that Mejiazga will not be able to play in the next game, so the team is hoping for a miracle, and Mejiazga will be able to come back from his injury to defend the defense in time for the game.
However, FC Cincinnati has been playing some good attacking soccer, with the most creative and goal-scoring player of the game, Luciano Agostino, up front, who has been linking up well with another forward, Benton Wasikowski. A pair of left and right wingbacks also play an important role in FC Cincinnati's offense, especially left wingback Balil, who scored twice against the New York Red Bulls in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs, and has handed out a number of assists from the wing this season.
The Philadelphia Union defeated the New England Revolution in the first round of the playoffs in two straight games to advance to the East Coast Top 4. As I mentioned before the game, the attacking triangle of Zulian Kalanchoe, Daniel Gastein and Michael Ulli is working well together, and these three players will need to deliver again if the team wants to be successful.
Zulian Kalanchoe was injured in the first match against New England Revolution, but he is back in action, so the team will hope that he will be fit enough to play. However, Carvalhal is still suspended, which will have a serious impact on the team as he is dangerous when he steps up to assist from the left wing.
