FC Cincinnati - Philadelphia Union live online: score, stats and updates, MLS Cup Playoffs
Atmosphere building in Cincinnati!
The Cincinnati faithful endured a torrid few years, finishing bottom of MLS on more than one occasion, before being transformed under Pat Noonan. This year the team romped to the Eastern Conference title and picked up the Supporters Shield for the first time in club History.
With a real chance of going deep in the playoffs, the Cincinnati supporters are making themselves heard tonight.
Cincinnati must keep composure, Noonan says
"In these moments when you get into the pressure Games and environments, it can be chaotic, but you still have to play, and you have to figure out how to have composure."
"Whether it's decision making with the ball, whether it's getting past mistakes, how you conduct yourself with the officials, you have to find ways to mentally be in the right space to get the decisions right and to help your team."
TQL Stadium starting to fill up
FC Cincinnati moved into TQL Stadium in 2021 and the 26,000-capacity venue has been pumping for most of 2023. The Supporters Shield champions have a fervent home support behind them and will be looking to make the most of that this evening.
One surprise for Cincinnati tonight as Yuya Kubo starts in the middle for Pat Noonan's side. The Japanese forward has been an important impact player this season but started just ten regular season fixtures, largely as a wide forward.
Tonight he starts in midfield against a well-drilled Philadelphia side.
And here's the Cincinnati starting XI
The hosts name a very attacking line up, with Kubo joining Acosta in a forward-thinking midfield trio. Vazquez and Boupendza start up front for Pat Noonan's side.
Here's the Philadelphia Union team for tonight
We have the starting XI for Jim Curtin's side tonight, no major surprises for the visitors.
Supporters Shield winners arrive for semi-final clash
Luciano Acosta, Brandon Vazquez and Alvaro Barreal arrive at TQL Stadium for the Game. That trio have been among Cincinnati's best performers this year and will be looking to make their mark on the playoffs.
FC CINCINNATI
Why isn’t Matt Miazga playing for FC Cincinnati?
We should have team news from TQL Stadium fairly soon, but one player who definitely won't be featuring tonight is Matt Miazga. The recently-awarded Defender of the Year is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in bizarre circumstances in Cincy's last outing.
However the full extent of his suspension is still unclear, meaning that Pat Noonan is unsure exactly when this key player can return.
Read more
The scene is set
TQL Stadium is the venue for tonight's Eastern Conference semi-final clash between Cincinnati and Philadelphia. We're expecting a capacity crowd in Cincy this evening as the Supporters Shield look to book their place in the Conference final.
Philadelphia touch down in Cincinnati
Jim Curtin's team go into tonight's Game as slight underdogs but this experienced Philadelphia Union side will not be phased by the Supporters' Shield winners. The visitors have just arrived at TQL Stadium and are looking relaxed.
MLS CUP PLAYOFFS
MLS Cup Playoff penalties rules: what happens if a playoff Game is tied?
What happens if Cincinnati vs Philadelphia ends in a tie? Tonight's semi-final is a single-legged elimination tie, meaning that the winner has to be decided on the night.
Here's what needs to happen for the game to go to a penalty shoot-out...
Read more
Atmosphere building at TQL Stadium
FC Cincinnati blitzed through the Eastern Conference, winning the Supporters Shield with weeks to spare. But Pat Noonan's side will be judged on the play-off performances and they take on a wily Philadelphia team with vast playoff experience.
The home support could be crucial for Cincy this evening.
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we will be bringing you live coverage of the MLS Cup Playoff clash between FC Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you all the latest action from TQL Stadium.
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