WHO:

The Worst, 6-2-2, 20 points, first place Eastern Conference

WHAT:

A USL regular season match

WHEN:

Saturday, May 26, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Nippert Stadium

WATCH:

Tickets are numerous and available, though perhaps not as numerous as they once were now that FCC is all but admitted into MLS for the 2019 season. Still, if you want to go up 71 to deal with the Blorange faithful, you’ve got lots of chances. If you don’t, you can watch on WBNA 21, listen on 840 WHAS, or stream the match on ESPN+.

WHO, AGAIN?

We don’t like them. They don’t like us. They’re having a really good week. They’re peddling in backhanded compliments. They got the benefit of Minnesota United’s cheap-ass ownership group’s cheap-assedness and get to host the Loons at Nippert in the Open Cup in a couple weeks. They’re feeling pretty full of themselves right now. I mean, look at this stupid shirt they made.

On the field, they’re scoring a lot of goals. Twenty in the league, to be exact. They’ve scored at least three goals in four of their last five games, and four in their last three. They’re giving up a few, too – thirteen on the season. They’ve picked up 24 yellow cards in ten games, which seems like a lot until you realize they’re still rolling players in and out of the club, and have a 28 man roster.

In our first matchup this season, Cincinnati couldn’t keep the ball in midfield if it was tied to them with duct tape. Apparently, they’ve addressed that problem by playing Nazmi Albadawi in the middle. He’s scored three times in four appearances.Emanuel Ledesma is going to be a lot to handle. Danni Konig still plays, but doesn’t necessarily start.

We know who these guys are. We know how they want to play. It’s probably going to be another cagey game. It would benefit Morados if it was. Cincy played a mostly second choice lineup in their midweek game against Pittsburgh and won anyway. If they can put three on a Bob Lilley team playing at Highmark, you’ve got to be concerned about playing smart, solid defense away at Nippert.

I think City is up for this game. I just hope we have the legs to play a full 90. Richie Ballard is still out, as is Shaun Francis, which isn’t great. Let’s go get three points anyway, win the Dirty River Derby with a game to spare, and remind Cincy who the champions are.

VAMOS MORADOS, VAMOS A GANAR!