The second leg of the “Hell Is Real” derby at Columbus on Sunday might see FC Cincinnati sweep the Crew within the season collection for the primary time since coming into Major League Soccer in 2019.
Cincinnati (15-2-6, 51 factors) took the primary leg 3-2 at residence on May 20. However, lots has modified for the Crew (10-7-6, 36 factors), who underwent a makeover through the month-long break for the Leagues Cup.
Notably, star midfielder Lucas Zelarayan (10 targets, seven assists in 20 matches) was bought to Al-Fateh of the Saudi Pro League. Also departing have been goalkeeper Eloy Room and heart again Milos Degenek in separate offers.
In return the Crew introduced in wing again Julian Gressel from the Vancouver Whitecaps, heart again Rudy Camacho from CF Montreal, Ukrainian heart again Yevhen Cheberko and the most important prize, former Los Angeles FC standout ahead Diego Rossi on a switch from Fenerbahce of the Turkish Super League.
Rossi, 25, scored 48 targets in 104 matches (100 begins) for LAFC. In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he led MLS with 14 targets in 19 matches.
Crew coach Wilfried Nancy stated Rossi has his personal fashion and isn’t a substitute for Zelarayan.
“Lucas was there earlier than,” he stated. “Diego is now the brand new (designated participant), however he does not take into consideration this. I like the truth that he got here in and isn’t a vocal man however when he talks, he’s exact. He likes to behave.”
FC Cincinnati sit atop the MLS standings and are on tempo for a franchise-best level whole. Like the Crew, nevertheless, Cincinnati exited the Leagues Cup within the knockout spherical by way of penalty kicks on Aug. 4.
Unlike Columbus, Cincinnati is eyeing one other non-MLS trophy when it hosts the incomparable Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on Wednesday in a semifinal of the U.S. Open Cup.
But first issues first.
“When we lose, I do not prefer it. But now we will go on for extra,” Cincinnati captain Luciano Acosta stated after the Leagues Cup ouster. “We have the (Open Cup) and we now have the league.”
—Field Level Media