FC Cincinnati makes its debut in the 2024 Leagues Cup — missing players and all — against Club Queretaro who are battling elimination, when the two clubs meet for a first encounter on Thursday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
One of the big storylines around the reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield winners is a foot injury to MLS MVP Luciano Acosta. The club has also lost an option at goalkeeper with Alec Kann battling hip issues and star defender Miles Robinson is away at the Paris 2024 Olympics with the United States.
“That's just where we're at right now, where we have a lot of key players that are injured, or sidelined, where we're going to have to rely on some new faces in the starting eleven more consistently, “ said FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan.
FC Cincy enters with a three-match losing streak. Before that, the team was on a stretch of 12 wins in 14 matches. The Ohio club is hoping the Leagues Cup can help the team regain form as others on the team get opportunity, and the players share that sentiment.
“I think this is a good opportunity for us to show that we are not just a name or just a player,” said midfielder Yamil Asad. “If we want to reach something at the end of the season, we have to show that we are available to do that kind of game and we have to step up and show why we are here.”
Asad has featured in 16 matches this season but his five starts have all come after mid-June. He has contributed two goals and five assists from May onward as he has gotten more involved on the field.
Pat Noonan isn’t the only one hoping more players on his team have the same success. Queretaro coach Mauro Gerk wants the same effect from the Leagues Cup as he continues to build his squad during the start of the LIGA MX Apertura 2024 season.
“We were working with a squad at the start of the season, and five or six players left last week, and four or five players arrived for the double matchday and there was no time to work,” said Gerk. “That's why we take the game here, in the United States, in the Leagues Cup with great responsibility, because it helps us to get the team back together and the more games we play, the better.”
“So, we have a point, we know that if we win tomorrow, we will qualify and that would be very good for us to continue working and continue restructuring the team,” he added.
Franco Russo is one of the new faces at Queretaro. The Argentine central defender made his club debut with Los Gallos Blancos in the scoreless draw against New York City FC, gaining a point despite losing in the penalty shootout.
“It wasn't just me, I think the whole team felt very good,” Russo said. “We were able to keep a clean sheet after several games. I think we made a huge effort. I think it was also a boost of confidence for the team, for the squad, for the club itself, to be able to gain a point.
“We got a point in the end, and if we win tomorrow we can do well,” he continued. “In that sense, I'm happy, both for my debut and for the team's result.”
