FC Cincinnati welcome Inter Miami to TQL Stadium on Sunday night for one of the most highly anticipated matches of the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Knifey Lions have been here before qualifying for the conference semifinal on two prior occasions. Meanwhile, Miami are in uncharted territory. The Herons had previously never advanced past the first round before this postseason.
Cincinnati got the better of their visitors in the regular season, though all bets are off given the do-or-die nature of the semifinals.
FC Cincinnati are brimming with confidence after defeating their Ohio rivals in the first round of the playoffs.
All eyes will be on the trio of Evander, Brenner and Kévin Denkey. Evander finished the season with 18 goals and 15 assists, while Denkey had 15 goals in his first season in the league. Brenner scored a brace in the game one win over Columbus as well.
Outside of their attacking prowess, Cincinnati relies on Pavel Bucha and Ender Echenique in midfield. Though, the latter is listed as questionable ahead of the game. USMNT center back Miles Robinson should start in defense.
Matt Miazga and backup goalkeeper Alec Kann are unavailable for the match as well.
Lionel Messi has been exceptional, scoring five goals in the first round series against Nashville.
Falling short of MLS Cup would make 2025 just the second year in his career that he fails to lift silverware.
The biggest question facing manager Javier Mascherano is what to do with a struggling Luis Suárez. The 38-year-old has been in poor form throughout the season and Miami were better in game three against Nashville as he served a suspension.
Outside of the Suárez decision, midfielders David Ruiz and Ryan Sailor are both out through injury. Right back Ian Fray is questionable after picking up a knock with Jamaica.
Inter Miami know when their playoff journey ends, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets’s careers do as well. There’s added motivation every step of the way to make this postseason run count.
