FC Cincinnati seek final momentum before World Cup hiatus
Head coach Pat Noonan prioritises player health and tactical discipline as FC Cincinnati prepare to host Orlando City SC at TQL Stadium on 23 May 2026.
FC Cincinnati will host Orlando City SC at TQL Stadium on 23 May 2026 for the final Major League Soccer fixture before a two-month hiatus for the FIFA World Cup. The match, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., represents a critical juncture for the Eastern Conference side, which sits tied for eighth place with 17 points. A loss could see Cincinnati drop out of the top five, jeopardising their playoff positioning before the break.
Head coach Pat Noonan has emphasised the necessity of maintaining player health and finishing the pre-break period strongly. The club has endured an injury-heavy first half of the season, with Noonan noting that consistency in fitness, particularly along the backline, has been a significant challenge. The break will provide an opportunity for recovery, with the team’s next league match not scheduled until 22 July against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Cincinnati’s recent form has been characterised by resilience and late-game efficacy. The club has scored multiple goals in seven consecutive matches, marking the longest such streak in its MLS era since 2019. Furthermore, Cincinnati has scored 11 goals from the 75th minute onwards, the highest total in MLS this season. Ten of their 17 points have been secured in matches where they trailed at some point, highlighting their ability to recover from deficits.
Orlando City, managed by interim head coach Martín Perelman following the departure of Óscar Pareja, enters the fixture with 14 points, tied for 10th. The visitors are led in attack by forward Martín Ojeda, who has scored nine goals this season. Midfielder Marco Pašalić, recently selected for Croatia’s 2026 World Cup roster, adds experience to Orlando’s side. Despite a poor start to the season, Orlando has shown improvement, winning their last U.S. Open Cup match and securing recent draws in league play.
The match also features individual storylines, including FC Cincinnati native Kyle Smith facing his former club for the first time. Smith, who made 216 appearances for Orlando between 2019 and 2025, is now in his first season with Cincinnati. Additionally, forward Tom Barlow was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 14 after scoring a brace against San Diego FC, including a 90th-minute+8 equaliser. The evening is designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Night at TQL Stadium, celebrating local cultural heritage.
