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The first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs feels like it will never end for New York City FC. However, the Pigeons will play their third and final match of the Round One Best-of-3 series. It is not well liked by fans across Major League Soccer, but it is what it is.
Hence, NYCFC has to return to TQL Stadium to take on FC Cincinnati for the final time this year. Since the series is tied 1-1, the winning team will move on in the playoffs. The Queens side played well in the previous fixture at Citi Field, winning 3-1 and dominating a good portion of the game. Ideally, the win will create confidence despite the next being on the road.
A fantastic performance by the defense would help the visitors. One could argue they played well, allowing just one goal in each game. However, the one goal was good enough in the first to secure the win for Cincinnati. Thiago Martins must lead his backline to one of the best defensive performances of the season to ensure NYCFC has a chance of winning. Plus, it would help Matt Freese achieve his aim of a clean sheet.
Of course, this could be the final game of the season. Hopefully, that will not be the case. Here is a preview of the final match of the first round between NYCFC and FC Cincinnati.
Date
NYCFC and FC Cincinnati will face off on Saturday, November 9.
Time
The match is at 4:00 PM ET.
Location
The fixture will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio at TQL Stadium.
How to watch
Fans can watch the battle on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.
Weather
It would not be shocking if the lights were on in full force at the start of the game. It will be cloudy and around 62 degrees. Thankfully, it is not expected to rain, but the temperature will drop slightly as the sun sets.
Injury report
Malachi Jones (leg) remains on the injury report and is the only player unavailable.
Players to watch
NYCFC fans should watch Martins. The captain scored his first goal in an NYCFC shirt in the last match and has performed well since his mistakes on Decision Day. The Pigeons need him to lead the backline to have one of the best performances of the season.
On Cincinnati, supporters should pay attention to Roman Celentano. The goalkeeper struggled in Queens and then did not have much to do in the first fixture. However, with so much on the line, it is expected the teams will be threatening towards one another. How he plays on Saturday might determine the outcome of the Best-of-3 series.
Prediction
Truthfully, it is difficult to predict the outcome of this battle. It all depends on which team from the Bronx shows up: the poor offensive one or the dominant one. That is why it is believed NYCFC and Cincinnati will play to a 2-2 draw and will go into a penalty kick shootout. From that point on, either side can win.