FC Cincinnati is gearing up for a crucial Eastern Conference clash against New York City FC. Defender Nick Hagglund expects NYCFC to bring their best game, as Cincinnati looks to extend their lead atop the conference. Key players like Evander and Alonso Martinez will be pivotal in this matchup. Cincinnati aims to leverage their home advantage and historical dominance over NYCFC, but recent home form raises concerns. The Opta win probability favors Cincinnati slightly, but the game promises to be a tightly contested battle as both teams vie for a vital victory.
FC Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund anticipates a fierce battle as his team prepares to face New York City FC. With the top spot in the Eastern Conference on the line, Hagglund believes NYCFC will bring their A-game to TQL Stadium this Saturday.
“We know we’re in the final stretch,” Hagglund stated, emphasizing the importance of every remaining match. “We have about seven games left, and every game matters for every team in the league. Everyone’s going to bring their best.”
FC Cincinnati is currently riding high, but they understand that maintaining their position requires unwavering focus and determination. Their recent 3-2 victory over Portland ended a three-match winless streak, demonstrating their resilience and ability to secure crucial points.
“I think for us specifically, everyone’s excited about playing us. We’re top of the table right now, and I feel like you’re going to get everyone’s best shot every time out there,” Hagglund added, acknowledging the target on their backs.
A win against NYCFC would not only extend their lead in the Eastern Conference but also surpass their total home victories from last season, setting a new single-season record. However, Cincinnati must overcome their recent struggles at TQL Stadium, where they've lost two of their last three league games.
New York City FC, meanwhile, is coming off a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC, showcasing their ability to bounce back from setbacks. They have a knack for rallying after conceding first, earning 14 points in such games this season.
Adding to the intrigue, NYCFC is currently unbeaten in their last four away league matches, winning three. Their resilience on the road makes them a formidable opponent for Cincinnati.
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) August 20, 2025
Players to Watch:
FC Cincinnati – Evander: Evander has been a scoring sensation this season, ranking third in the MLS scoring charts with 16 goals. His ability to contribute both goals and assists makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Last Saturday against Portland, he recorded a goal and an assist, marking his 21st game with multiple goal contributions since joining MLS in 2023. This is the highest total in the league during that period, ahead of Lionel Messi.
New York City FC – Alonso Martinez: Martinez has emerged as the leading scorer for NYCFC, with 13 goals and one assist in 22 appearances. The Costa Rica international has been in excellent form, scoring in his last three consecutive games across all competitions. His clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net make him a player Cincinnati must contain.
Match Prediction: FC Cincinnati
Historically, Cincinnati has dominated NYCFC at home, keeping clean sheets in five of their last six home matches against them in all competitions. However, recent home defeats against Guadalajara and Charlotte FC have raised concerns about their consistency at TQL Stadium.
Despite their recent struggles, Cincinnati's overall form and home advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. They will need to tighten up their defense and capitalize on their scoring opportunities to secure a crucial victory.
NYCFC, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their strong away form and exploit any weaknesses in Cincinnati's defense. Their ability to rally from behind and their clinical finishers make them a dangerous opponent.
Opta Win Probability:
Cincinnati – 54.8%
Draw – 23.3%
New York City FC – 21.9%
The Opta win probability reflects Cincinnati's slight edge in this matchup, but the close percentages suggest that this will be a tightly contested affair. Both teams have the quality and determination to win, making this a must-watch game for MLS fans.
As the season reaches its climax, every game becomes more significant. FC Cincinnati understands the importance of maintaining their position at the top of the Eastern Conference, and they are prepared to face NYCFC's best shot. With key players like Evander and Martinez in top form, this promises to be an exciting and crucial battle.