New York Soccer Journal spoke with Laurel Pfahler of Queen City Press to learn more about FC Cincinnati, New York City FC's road opponent on Wednesday night: Here is your NYCFC vs FC Cincinnati preview.
• Recent Form (All Comps): D-L-W-W-W
• Record: 7W, 6D, 6L | 27 points, 6th place
• Scoring Leader: Kévin Denkey and Evander, 11 goals
• Assist Leader: Evander, 10 assists
1. Recovered from a poor start
New York Soccer Journal: After a rocky start to the season, Cincinnati has found its form post-World Cup, picking up seven points in its last four league games. What’s the vibe in Cincinnati these days?
Laurel Pfahler: The team is feeling better about the defense, which in the last seven games across all competitions has conceded 1.6 goals per game – down from 2.7 goals per game in the last seven games before the break. The fact FCC is only three points out of a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference is encouraging, but the club has higher expectations, and so do the players. They are disappointed they didn't play better in the first half. Part of that was a series of injuries on the back line, a product of relying on too many over-30 center-backs (Matt Miazga is 31, Nick Hagglund 33, and Kyle Smith 34) and not getting much from Miles Robinson, who had his mind on making sure he didn't get hurt before the World Cup.
