Cincinnati FC vs Inter Miami
TQL Stadium forms the backdrop for a high-stakes Major League Soccer showdown between Cincinnati FC and Inter Miami.
After a disappointing 2-1 loss to New England Revolution in their last home league outing, Cincinnati have won back-to-back matches by a single-goal margin to stay within a two-point distance of Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami. With a game in hand and home advantage in this top-table six-pointer, Pat Noonan’s men are in pole position to return to the table’s summit. However, their recent home form can’t inspire much confidence, with the Orange and Blue alternating between victories (2) and defeats (2) across their last four MLS outings at TQL Stadium. Since all four games saw the winner on the day draw first blood, breaking the deadlock could be a match-defining moment.
Despite lacking the services of Lionel Messi, visiting Inter Miami head into proceedings in a buoyant mood after winning all four league fixtures without their superstar via an identical 2-1 scoreline. Further confidence stems from the fact three of those four wins have come away from home. Indeed, Gerardo Martino’s men have gone from strength to strength on the road, racking up an eye-catching seven triumphs across eight MLS travels (D1) since last losing such a contest in March. It’s equally significant to note that the Herons bagged 2+ goals in all seven wins, highlighting the potential for an action-packed affair. But as two of the last three league H2Hs between Cincinnati and Inter at TQL Stadium ended 1-0 (W1, L2), it may not necessarily be the case.