In their first game back at Nippert Stadium in eleven months, FC Cincinnati made two changes to their starting XI ahead of Friday night’s clash with D.C. United.
Jürgen Locadia and Siem de Jong replace Haris Medunjanin and Adrien Regattin in the starting lineup from the club’s last match: The MLS is Back Tournament knockout match against the Portland Timbers on July 29.
Friday is a night of debuts
Four FCC players will make their first start at Nippert Stadium in the club’s home opener: de Jong, Locadia, Yuya Kubo and Tom Pettersson. Additionally, Bobby Edwards, Adrien Regattin and Brandon Vazquez are all on the bench and could make their Nippert Stadium debuts.
This will also be the first home match for head coach Jaap Stam and assistant coach Said Bakkati.
Other notes:
- Everyone in the starting XI played in the club’s last match against Portland.
- Greg Garza last played in FCC’s match against Columbus Crew SC on July 11, while Nick Hagglund last played on July 22 against the New York Red Bulls.
- Edwards and Tommy McCabe could make their 2020 debuts against D.C. United.
- If he plays, the match will be Edwards’ FCC debut.
About the absences
Saad Abdul-Salaam (quad), Zico Bailey (ankle), Jimmy McLaughlin (ankle) and Spencer Richey (concussion) will all miss the home opener with injuries.
Medunjanin’s missing the match after recently becoming a father!
Maikel van der Werff is unavailable due to MLS protocol after traveling to the Netherlands. He’ll return to training on Saturday.
New signing Kamohelo Mokotjo is still overseas and cannot be formally added to FC Cincinnati’s roster until he receives a work visa.
