Later on in week 8, we play host to Atlanta United 2 on Saturday night. The weather is going to be absolutely gorgeous, 74 degrees and sunny throughout the day; I’m expecting a large crowd of FCC supporters to continue our run of great attendance, keeping pace with the top of American soccer. The Five Stripes reserve side has struggled out of the gate, taking only 7 points in 6 matches, but make no mistake they’re hungry. The roster is full of MLS potential, and will be sure to take the pitch with spark and energy in front of 25k+ at Nippert.
ATLANTA UNITED 2 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Like previously stated, MLS 2 sides are heavily used as reserve teams, A chance to get guys down the MLS depth chart some quality minutes in evaluation for a rotation spot. Historically we have a good history against these types of clubs, posting an overall record of 12-3-5 record against MLS Reserve sides in our 3 seasons as a club. That being said, we should not overlook the ability of young players to bring pace and energy in scenarios featuring large crowds, i.e. the 2-0 Home loss to Orlando City B last May.
- A.J. Cochran- The twenty five year old defender was once selected 16th overall by the Houston Dynamo in the 2014 MLS Draft. He went on to make 26 appearances for the club from 2014-2015. FCC fans might remember him as a member of St Louis FC for the past two seasons, and while playing in Missouri, Cochran made 49 appearances and netted one goal. Built like Forrest Lasso, AJ is fighting for a spot back and MLS will most likely be the toughest person standing in front of the net Saturday night. Below is a video of him doing what a 6’3 defender does best, scoring goals over smaller defenders.
- Shaun Nicklaw- Another big defender for Atlanta. Shaun has spent the last three years playing full seasons for both the Jacksonville Armada and FC Edmonton in NASL, where he tallied almost 70 caps. At 29 years old, Nicklaw is in a Richie Ryan type situation, as its MLS or bust for the Defensive Midfielder. I expect him to be fired up.
- Devon Sandoval- Here is a guy with plenty of top flight experience. Playing four seasons with MLS side Real Salt Lake, he made 58 appearances and scored 7 times. Moving to NASL in 2017 to play for the San Francisco Deltas, the forward scored four goals in 28 matches. He’s the biggest threat Atlanta has in the offensive third of the pitch and will likely make a huge impact this weekend. Below is just a little taste of what this cat can do.
PREDICTION
ATLANTA UNITED 2 (1-3-2: 12th USL EAST)- This has the makings of a huge FCC win, a chance to win 3 points at home for the first time this season. Atlanta will get one, it happens when playing a team with pace and a great striker, but I think the Boys in Orange and Blue will be able to hold their own. I’m banking on a pair of goals by Ledesma and Welshman to propel the team to victory.
Score- 2-1
*** I wrote this before checking Twitter***
In case you were wondering "GUIDO" Gonzalez, Jr. was the ref who gave eight yellow cards, two red cards, and three penalty kicks in the game between @fccincinnati and Rochester at Nippert last year. https://t.co/nljknv0RhL
— Godefrid Theudebald (@GeoffTebbetts) May 1, 2018
Welp the referee responsible for the card massacre last year during @fccincinnati v @RochesterRhinos is officiating at Nippert Saturday. @usl don't let this happen again. Ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/6T2j6iOhjb
— Mitchell Matacia (@MitchellMatacia) May 1, 2018
Hey @USL I heard Guido will be our ref Saturday for @fccincinnati ??? that needs to change bruh pic.twitter.com/g8YTixQFhs
— Derek ßmed (@derek_smed) May 1, 2018
Let’s hope he’s learned his lesson, and I don’t have to slide into his DM’s after the match…
Be safe this Cinco De Mayo FCC fans! I’ll buy anyone who wears an FC Cincy sombrero a festive beer. Vamos Juntos!
