Tag: FC Cincinnati

‘It’s an embarrassment’ – Pat Noonan went scorched earth on refs after ‘Hell is Real’ draw

The FC Cincinnati coach was not about to let a possible offside call go unaddressed

Pat Noonan did not hold back in his post-game press conference after his FC Cincinnati side drew the Columbus Crew 2-2 in the “Hell is Real” derby on Saturday, calling the officiating an “embarrassment in our league.”

Steven Moreira equalized for Columbus deep into second-half stoppage time to earn a valuable away draw, but it was the Crew’s first goal that Noonan was very eager to address after the game.

Derrick Etienne appeared to be offside on his 74th-minute header, which was not reviewed by the video assistant referee.

When it was posited to Noonan that observers were interested in the Crew’s first goal, the FC Cincy coach was ready with a response.

“They’re interested because it’s f—–g clear,” Noonan shot back.

“That’s why they’re interested, because this has happened to a point now where it’s an embarrassment in our league. It’s not just us, I will continue to say that, but it is a huge problem that guys that put in that much continue to get punished by just really really poor officiating across the board.

“And the reasons you get for the offside goal, the checkpoint’s different than what they see in Atlanta [at the Video Review Center]. How can the checkpoint be different? How do you not have that view? How can you not just look at that and say, ‘I should check this. This is something that doesn’t look right.’

“But again, that’s the norm. So right now I’m the excuse guy and that stinks, but I want to protect our players because they put too much into it to be robbed like that.”

The draw saw Columbus stay in the seventh and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference, one point above Cincinnati in eighth place.

Watch Noonan’s post-game rant

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Brandon Vazquez: The USMNT is talking to me, Mexico is not

It appears to be advantage USMNT, at least for now

In-form FC Cincinnati striker Brandon Vazquez has said he’s been in touch with U.S. Soccer about a possible national team call-up, but he has not heard anything from the Mexican federation.

Vazquez is perhaps the most in-form striker in MLS at present, having scored 14 goals this season including six in his last six matches.

That production has led to calls for the 23-year-old to be given a chance with either the USMNT or Mexico, both of which have major question marks at the striker position heading toward the World Cup.

But in an appearance on ESPN’s Futbol Americas from the MLS All-Star Game in Minnesota, Vazquez said only one of the two countries he is eligible to represent has been in touch.

“U.S. is talking to me, Mexico has not talked to me,” Vazquez said before adding that one of USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter’s assistant coaches was at his most recent match over the weekend.

“I was talking to Anthony Hudson, one of Gregg’s assistants a couple nights ago in Cincinnati,” Vazquez said. “He came out to the game to watch. He was basically just telling me what the U.S. national team looks for in a number nine, what I do good, what they think I can improve on a little bit. But they’re happy and impressed with my performances recently, and [they said] to keep going and keep scoring and there will be a chance to be with them.”

Asked what he can offer the USMNT, Vazquez said: “Goals, hold-up play and creativity up front.”

Vazquez was born in California but has dual citizenship and has indicated he is open to playing for either the USMNT or Mexico.

“Yes, I’m open to the two national teams,” Vazquez told Fox Sports Radio in Mexico last month. “The two doors are open, I’m ready for anything, for whatever comes and I am prepared for any of the two.”

Watch Vazquez’s full interview

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Matt Miazga has no regrets about joining Chelsea’s loan army

“Everyone thinks, ‘Oh, you go on loan, it’s not the right development path.’ But realistically, it is”

Matt Miazga knows what people say about his move to Chelsea.

Though the appeal of joining a Premier League power was undeniable, the perception is that the defender bit off more than he could chew when joining the Blues from the New York Red Bulls at age 20.

In six years, Miazga made a grand total of two appearances for Chelsea. Disappointing? Sure. Surprising? Not at a club notorious for signing players and sending them on a never-ending series of loans until they are either sold or their contracts run out.

Miazga, who signed with FC Cincinnati last week, has heard all of it. And he wants to say that even now, after six years at Chelsea and five loan clubs, he isn’t feeling any regret.

“There was a lot of interest for me, and when Chelsea comes calling, when [Jose] Mourinho calls you and you’re able to meet with him in London, you’re not going to say no, really. It’s a dream and it was a proud moment to be wanted by a massive club like that,” Miazga told reporters on Tuesday.

Matt Miazga of Chelsea tussles for the ball with Jefferson Montero of Swansea during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Chelsea at the Liberty Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Swansea, Wales (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)

After two appearances in his first half season at Stamford Bridge, Miazga’s journey took him to Vitesse, Nantes, Reading, Anderlecht and finally AlavĂ©s.

“Everyone thinks, ‘Oh, you go on loan, it’s not the right development path.’ But realistically, it is,” said Miazga. “I’m taking steps to climb back up the ladder. And that was the development process in all this.”

In Miazga’s telling, whatever he missed in terms of a stable club environment was made up for by experiencing different clubs, cultures, countries, playing styles and teammates all across Europe.

It’s experience that he hopes serves him well as he begins his second stint in MLS, chasing a league title as well as a return to the U.S. national team.

“I’ve been able to live in so many different countries – play football, my passion, in so many different countries,” the defender said. “And meet so many new people, so many lifelong friends that I’ll always have, teammates and people within the clubs that I played at, as well as immersing myself in new cultures, new places to live, and learning.

“When I look back, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

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Brandon Vazquez is just out of his mind right now

It’s going to be hard to leave this guy off the September USMNT roster

After he left Brandon Vazquez off his June roster, U.S. national team coach Gregg Berhalter said he was hoping to see the forward stretch his strong form out for a few more weeks.

“He’s close,” Berhalter said after naming his roster. “If he continues to score goals at [this] rate and his team continues to win, I’m sure there will be an opportunity for him in the future.”

Since Berhalter said those words in May, Vazquez has ripped off eight goals in 12 games. He has six in his last six.

If he was close in May, Vazquez may simply be too hot to ignore come next month’s friendlies – even if a USMNT call-up would represent his first at a time Berhalter would rather not be testing out brand-new players

But Vazquez’s form may force Berhalter’s hand, particularly at a position in which very few candidates have proven to be roster locks.

Vazquez has 14 goals this season for a resurgent FC Cincy team, including another one over the weekend in a 3-1 statement win over the Philadelphia Union.

Those goals are no fluke either, as the 23-year-old leads MLS in non-penalty expected goals with 11.3, per FBref. He’s getting into ideal scoring spots by displaying a poacher’s instinct.

Over at MLSsoccer.com, Matt Doyle has a comprehensive statistical breakdown of Vazquez’s brilliance this season. One stat that stands out though, is that Vazquez leads MLS in in hold-ups per game with 2.6.

His target forward play, as displayed against Philadelphia in this thread, shows the multi-dimensional facets of Vazquez’s game. He’s not just a goalscorer.

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sport

Vazquez may just play himself into a World Cup spot, but the country he’d represent is still an open question.

“Yes, I’m open to the two national teams,” Vazquez told Fox Sports Radio in Mexico last month. “The two doors are open, I’m ready for anything, for whatever comes and I am prepared for any of the two.”

Much like its rival to the north, Mexico has some major question marks up top and could see Vazquez as a possible answer to their goalscoring woes.

No U.S. coach would want to call a player up simply to keep them from playing for another country. But Vazquez is fully deserving of a call on the merits right now, and seeing him suit up for El Tri would be extra painful for a USMNT side that doesn’t have the luxury of turning away in-form strikers of any kind right now.

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MLS Madness spreads nationwide as league breaks goalscoring record

MLS was, even by MLS standards, completely bonkers Saturday night

Summer in MLS can be a rough time. You’re too far away from the real pressure of making or missing the playoffs, it’s hot and humid everywhere, teams are figuring it out after transfer window moves. It can feel very much like everyone’s biding their time for September and October.

Not August 6. MLS Madnessℱ took hold in nearly every corner of the country, with goals galore, teams scoring and conceding in the deepest depths of stoppage time, big-name stars scoring bangers, and everyone basically went bananas. It was a perfect advertisement for the league: fun, flawed, weird, and inexplicable.

For one thing, MLS broke a league record for goals scored in one night. Across 13 games Saturday night, teams combined for 57 goals, an average of well over four per game. The old record of 46 was left in the dust.

As the league itself once said, This Stuff Kicks!

In chronological order, let’s go through one of the wildest nights in MLS history:

Matt Miazga’s Chelsea odyssey finally ends as defender joins FC Cincinnati

The USMNT defender made just two appearances for Chelsea after joining in 2016

Matt Miazga has finally ended his Chelsea spell after six and a half years, returning to MLS to join up with FC Cincinnati on a deal through 2025 with an option for a further season.

Miazga will not be a Designated Player for Cincinnati, which landed the defender by virtue of their spot atop the league’s Allocation Order.

Miazga moved to Chelsea in 2016 after breaking through with the New York Red Bulls, but made just two senior appearances for the Blues while going on loan to five different teams.

Now 27, Miazga returns to MLS in search of a permanent home for the first time in several years.

“I’m really excited to join FC Cincinnati,” Miazga said in a club announcement. “It’s a pleasure to be back in the United States and be able to compete in MLS again. The project here in Cincinnati is something that has drawn me here, and I want to say a special thank you to Jeff Berding, Chris Albright and Pat Noonan, who were all a big part of me coming to FCC. I can’t wait to meet all the amazing supporters, who I’ve heard so many good things about, at TQL Stadium.”

Last season saw Miazga go on loan to Alavés, but he struggled for playing time as the team was relegated from La Liga.

Prior to that spell in Spain, the defender had spent time on loan with Vitesse, Nantes, Reading and Anderlecht.

Miazga has been capped 22 times with the U.S. men’s national team, but has not made an appearance since June 2021.

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NYCFC, FC Cincinnati with some MLS Madness in 4-4 draw

No words for this game, but we tried our best

One of the wildest games in years in MLS took place Wednesday night, as NYCFC and FC Cincinnati played to a bonkers 4-4 draw.

FC Cincinnati stormed out to a 3-0 lead, with Lucho Acosta opening the scoring in the 15th minute before Brenner—who just scored his first league goal of 2022 on the weekend—bagged a brace in a six-minute span, striking in the 24th and 30th minutes, and that second goal was something special.

 

As fans at TQL Stadium partied, NYCFC saw things get even worse, with Maxi Moralez saw his penalty kick saved by Roman Celentano.

However, incredibly, this disaster for the MLS Cup champs was flipped on its head in a wild seven-minute span, as the teams went to the locker room level. Talles Magno scored a 45th minute goal, and then HĂ©ber somehow managed to score two more goals in first-half stoppage time to equalize.

NYCFC didn’t let the halftime break end the madness, with Gabriel Pereira waltzing through the Cincinnati midfield before unleashing a 52nd minute rocket. A game that was 3-0 Cincy in the 44th minute was now 4-3 NYCFC.

Stunningly, though, Cincinnati pulled themselves up off the mat, equalizing in the 70th minute. Brenner did it again, netting the first-ever FC Cincinnati hat trick with a low shot from outside the area.

Because no game would be complete without some VAR drama, Brenner thought he’d scored a fourth in the closing minutes, only for the goal to be called back for offside after a VAR check, resulting in a 4-4 draw that was pure MLS madness.

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MLS: Portland Timbers vs. FC Cincinnati Round of 16 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Portland Timbers and FC Cincinnati FC Round of 16 sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Portland Timbers and FC Cincinnati get together in a Round of 16 knockout stage game in the MLS is Back Tournament Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. Below, we analyze the Portland-Cincinnati sports betting odds and lines at BetMGM while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Portland Timbers vs. FC Cincinnati: Key injuries

Portland Timbers

  • M Dairon Asprilla (knee) out
  • M Andres Flores (personal) out

FC Cincinnati

  • M Siem de Jong (groin) questionable
  • F Jurgen Locadia (quadriceps) questionable
  • M Jimmy McLaughlin (ankle) out
  • GK Spencer Richey (concussion) out
  • D Maikel van der Werff (groin) questionable

Place legal sports bets on MLS action in CO, IN, NJ and WV through BetMGM. Sign up and bet at BetMGM now!

Portland Timbers vs. FC Cincinnati: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 4 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Portland Timbers 3, FC Cincinnati 1

Moneyline (ML)

PORTLAND (-125) is a heavy favorite to move past FC Cincinnati (+320), and rightly so. First off, the Timbers racked up six goals (two per game) with a plus-2 differential to top a competitive Group F. Cincinnati was boat-raced 4-0 by Columbus in their group opener before posting a pair of clean sheets against a poor Atlanta United side (1-0) and the uninspired New York Red Bulls (2-0). Cincy is banged up, too, and even with all hands on deck against the Timbers it would have been a tall tree to chop down.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 (-139) is the play here. Most of the Round of 16 games have been, or will be, competitive. This one is going to be a laugher, with the Timbers marching into the next round with a decisive, high-scoring result.

Want some action in this one? Place an MLS bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS: FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

FC Cincinnati (1 win, 1 loss, 0 draws) faces the New York Red Bulls (1-1-0) in a pivotal final Group E matchup of the MLS is Back Tournament Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. The Red Bulls currently hold the second spot in the group with Cincinnati trailing by a minus-2 in goal differential. Below, we look at the odds and lines and make our best MLS picks and bets for the FC Cincinnati-New York Red Bulls matchup.

FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls: Key injuries

FC Cincinnati

  • M Jimmy McLaughlin (ankle) out
  • F Jurgen Locadia (quad) questionable
  • D Greg Garza (hamstring) questionable
  • M Allan Cruz (ankle) questionable

New York Red Bulls

  • M Mathias Jorgensen (hamstring) questionable

Place legal sports bets on MLS action in CO, IN, NJ and WV through BetMGM. Sign up and bet at BetMGM now!

FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

New York Red Bulls 1, FC Cincinnati 0

Moneyline (ML)

Back NEW YORK (-115) as the favorites to join Columbus Crew SC in advancing out of Group E to the knockout stage.

Both teams have negative goal differentials in losses to Columbus and wins over the depleted Atlanta United SC. The Red Bulls are minus-1 with one goal scored and two allowed. Cincinnati is minus-3 with one goal for and four against.

Injuries have played a major role in FC Cincinnati’s struggles, while the Red Bulls have skated through the tournament at full health. Expect New York’s starters to stay in this game just long enough to secure the victory and advance to the next round before being pulled out in order to preserve the perfect injury list.

Over/Under (O/U)

These two clubs played to a 3-2 Red Bulls victory when they met in a March 1 matchup early this season. Both teams were shut out by Columbus while producing a clean sheet of their own over Atlanta to start the MLS is Back Tournament.

Look for the Red Bulls to get on the board early before dialing it back with the reserves on the pitch. Take UNDER 2.5 (+115) as a great value bet at plus-money.

Want some action in this one? Place an MLS bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS Picks: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC odds and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

FC Cincinnati (0 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws) tangle with their Buckeye state rivals the Columbus Crew (1-0-1) Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET in each club’s first game of the MLS is Back Tournament in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We analyze the Cincinnati-Columbus sports betting odds and lines at BetMGM, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup.

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew: Key injuries

Cincinnati

  • F Jurgen Locadia (thigh) out

Place legal sports bets on MLS action in CO, IN, NJ and WV through BetMGM. Sign up and bet at BetMGM now!

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at noon ET.

Prediction

Columbus 2, Cincinnati 0

Moneyline (ML)

COLUMBUS (-110) is the more well-rounded club, and it will show in this one. It also helps that the Crew are completely healthy, while Locadia is a big loss for Cincinnati (+290), and it need all hands on deck since the defense was absolutely atrocious through the first two matches. Cincinnati allowed five goals in two outings, tied for the worst defense in the Eastern Conference.

A winning $10 wager on Columbus (-110) nets a profit of $9.10. A $10 wager on Cincinnati (+290) would net a $29 profit if it were to pull off the upset.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (-121) is the way to be, as the Under is 3-1 through the first four matches of the MLS is Back Tournament, and it would be a perfect 4-0 if not for Orlando City SC’s game-winning tally at 90’+7 against Miami the other night. Cincinnati is rather punchless on offense, and you can expect some heavy legs and bit of a feeling out process for most of this battle.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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