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Prepare yourself for some of the best MLS action, as in-form Inter Miami takes on one of the top Eastern Conference teams, FC Cincinnati, tonight. The game kicks off at 7:30 PM ET, so be sure to take a look at my unique analysis of the game and decide whether my picks are something up your alley!
FC Cincinnati proves once again that they’re a legitimate American contender with their 3rd season in a row running in the top 3 in the MLS Eastern Conference, as they currently sit at 2nd place with 42 points and a 13-3-6 record.
On March 11, the team was eliminated from the Round of 16 2nd leg, 4-2 on aggregate, against Tigres UANL. Upon returning to the MLS, they were shut out 2-0 in their match against FC Charlotte. Since then, however, they have posted an impressive winning record and scored at least one goal in every one of their games. In their last five MLS contests, they have gone 4-1. Their four-game winning streak would end in their most recent 4-2 defeat against the Columbus Crew, making for an interesting matchup as they face an in-form Inter Miami.
Midfielder Evander Da Silva Ferreira has showcased a fiery MLS season, scoring 13 goals with 8 assists for his side. Forward Kevin Denkey nearly matches Evander’s goal-scoring efforts with 12 goals and 1 assist to his name, making the duo a pair to watch out for on the pitch. Cincinnati will likely look to these two for most of their chances creation, so if Miami fails to shut down their midfield, they could run away with multiple goal-scoring opportunities.
Inter Miami recently exited the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 with a 4-0 loss against PSG, and returns to their MLS campaign with three games in hand. In the MLS Eastern Conference, the team is fifth in the standings with 38 points and an 11-5-3 record. A win tonight would be crucial for shaking up positions from 5th to 3rd place. Since returning from the international Club World Cup tournament, Miami has yet to be defeated, winning 4-1 over Montreal on July 5, 2-1 over the New England Revolution on July 9 and 2-1 over Nashville SC on July 12th. Miami has been in red-hot form recently and posted the fourth-highest goal differential in the MLS with a three-game deficit.
Of course, Inter Miami’s recent success can be credited to superstar Lionel Messi, who has 5 consecutive braces (2 goals in 1 game) in his last 5 MLS matches. Messi currently leads the MLS in goal scoring with 16 goals and 7 assists in 16 games; he’s on track to score another 1+ goals again tonight. Three of his teammates, Tadeo Allende (7 goals and 1 assist), Telasco Segovia (5 goals and 5 assists) and Luis Suarez (5 goals and 8 assists), all provide vital support to Miami’s reigning offense. If that continues tonight, Inter Miami may very well close the gap in points against their Cincinnati opponents.
While Miami has only played three games since coming back into the MLS, they’ve shown why they’re a top contender for the trophy this year with Leo Messi at the helm, helping the team to achieve the second most goals scored (44), only behind San Diego FC (46) with an entire three games in hand. Cincinnati takes home-field advantage tonight, and while they have major goal-scoring threats, their main weakness lies in allowing goals as well, leading them to showcase a goal differential of just +4 after 22 games played.
All signs point toward an Inter Miami win on the road tonight, with Lionel Messi sure to hit the back of the net at least 1+ times, considering how unstoppable he’s been since returning from the Club World Cup.
Liam has been a major sports fan and soccer player for over a decade, with a particular focus on major top-level soccer leagues, including the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and MLS. He has written numerous promotional articles for various top sportsbooks and continues to publish historical and factual sports articles covering the NFL, MLS, NHL, MLB, EPL and more.