FC Cincinnati has hit a rough patch, but it’s not time to panic just yet. Still, the recent results, a 4-2 loss to Atlanta United where Nick Hagglund suffered an injury, two blown leads in a 3-3 draw against FC Dallas, and a 2-1 loss to DC United (all teams low in the standings), have raised some concerns.
Cincinnati hasn’t looked like itself in recent weeks. The midfield has been inconsistent, the defense has given up too many breakaways, and the team’s passing has lacked urgency. Head coach Pat Noonan acknowledged these struggles after the DC United match:
“A tough night. A tough stretch, tough week for us, results-wise and just performance-wise. So, maybe the break will come at a good time to reset and try to come out of it in a better way than we went into it.”
One big issue? The team has been too cute with the ball instead of making sharper and meaningful passes. There’s also been a lack of defensive awareness, especially on set pieces, where opponents have taken advantage of positioning mistakes. Noonan addressed this issue, saying:
“I think just how prepared we are for some of the plays. We didn’t start the game well with how we turn the ball over and allow them to put us under pressure and didn’t need to really go to ground, how (Teenage) Hadebe gets to the corner. There are so many things from experienced players that could be eliminated. But then, we don’t get out to the short well enough and it’s a good strike, but just the anticipation and recognition of those moments and then the second one, we don’t get out quick enough. I know Pavel (Bucha) slips, but it’s too easy to service and we get beat in the post.”
Noonan is still searching for the right system to fit this squad. Right now, Cincinnati doesn’t have a clear playing style, and that’s causing problems when facing high pressure. Without a strong identity, the team struggles to adjust when things aren’t going well.
“In the first half, I think they outworked us and were more physical, and in some ways, some individuals, I don’t think were, it wasn’t across the board. They’re a good pressing team, and there were moments where I thought we defended it really well, but it’s going to be like that all game, and you have to be prepared for it, and if you’re not, then the game becomes transitions. I think we did a good job to get the goal and get back into it, but then we lose momentum again on set piece, so credit to them. They defended the ball very well tonight, and we did not.”
Cincinnati won’t play again until June 14th, when they visit the New England Revolution. This break could be exactly what the team needs, hopefully to reset, regroup, and figure out how to get back on track. The recent losses are frustrating, but Noonan isn’t letting the standings dictate the team’s mindset:
“Every game is challenging for different reasons, and we don’t concern ourselves with where teams are positioned in the table. Our focus is on us and trying to be a good team and improve. So, all of those teams, despite their records, show that they can go and beat good teams. Well, right now, I think there’s a lot that you can look at our group and say, ‘How good are we?’ But it doesn’t matter where teams are ranked. It’s hard. You have to be prepared, and you have to go prove yourself every time you play, and that’s what we need to improve.”
While it’s not time to ring the alarm bell, there’s no denying that Cincinnati has some major work to do. Noonan and his squad need to use this 13-day break wisely to reset, improve their defensive structure, and establish a more defined style of play. If they can fix these issues, they’ll be in a much better position when they face New England on June 14.
