On Wednesday, September 18th, at 8:30 PM, Minnesota United will host FC Cincinnati at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, MN. This match features an FC Cincinnati team that is +180 on the money line compared to Minnesota United at +123. The payout for a draw is currently sitting at +280, and the over/under goal line is 3.5 goals. Minnesota United is on a two-game winning streak and is 9th in the Western Conference, while FC Cincinnati is 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a record of 16-8-4.
FC Cincinnati vs. Minnesota United Matchup At A Glance
- Teams: FC Cincinnati at Minnesota United
- Where: Saint Paul, MN at Allianz Field
- Date: Wednesday, September 18th
- Betting Odds MIN +123 | FCC +180 O/U 3.5
FC Cincinnati Preview
In the MLS standings, FC Cincinnati is currently in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the Los Angeles Galaxy. Through 28 matches, they have a record of 16-8-4. Over their last four matches, they have gone 1-2-1, including a draw vs. the Columbus Crew on September 14th. Overall, they have been favored in 20 matches, going 11-6-3, while going 5-2-1 as the underdog. Following this match vs. Minnesota United, they will take on Nashville SC on the road on Sunday, September 22nd.
FC Cincinnati has been an average offensive team this season, ranking 9th in the MLS with 1.7 goals per match. Luciano Acosta is the team's top scorer, ranking 21st in the league with 11 goals. Luca Orellano has been the team's leader in shots on goal, ranking 9th in the MLS with 32. Overall, Cincinnati is 6th in the league in shots on goal and 12th in corner kicks. Their passing percentage of 84% is 15th in the league.
FC Cincinnati's defense has been up and down over their last five matches, but they are coming off a shutout performance against the Columbus Crew, who is 4th in scoring. Overall, they are 6th in goals allowed this season, giving up 1.3 goals per match. Goalkeeper Roman Celentano is 9th in clean sheets this season with seven, and he is 18th in saves. Over their last five matches, they have given up an average of 1.4 goals per match. They will be facing a Minnesota United offense that is 11th in scoring.
Minnesota United Preview
Minnesota United enters this match against FC Cincinnati on a two-match winning streak, as they look to improve their record of 11-11-6. Overall, they are 9th in the Western Conference, just one point behind the Portland Timbers. Over their last six matches, Minnesota United has gone 3-2-1, with their only two losses coming at home. Following this match, they will head on the road to take on Sporting Kansas City on September 22nd.
Minnesota United has scored 1.6 goals per match this season, which is 11th in MLS. They have scored more than their season average in three straight matches. Bongokuhle Hlongwane is their top scorer, as he has found the back of the net 10 times this season, which is 27th in MLS. He also leads the club in shots on goal, as his 24 are 29th in the league. Robin Lod is their leader in assists, as his 10 are 6th in MLS. He also has six goals, which is 50th in the league.
Minnesota United's defense has struggled this season, as they are giving up 1.6 goals per match, which is 19th in the MLS. They have been better of late, giving up just one goal in their last match against St. Louis City SC. However, they have also given up three goals twice in their last five matches. Overall, they have the 11th most blocked shots and the third-most interceptions. Dayne St. Clair has just three clean sheets this season, and his 53 saves are 26th in the MLS.
FC Cincinnati vs Minnesota United Free Pick
Coming into this match, both Minnesota United and FC Cincinnati have been solid on the defensive end, but we see Minnesota United coming away with the win by a score of 2-1. Our prediction is that Teemu Pukki will be the player to score a goal for Minnesota United, and he comes in with the best odds to score a goal overall. On the other side, look for Luciano Acosta to find the net for FC Cincinnati. The payout for Minnesota United on the money line is +123.
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Pick: Minnesota United +123
