FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami Prediction, Preview and Odds - 5/16/21
Inter Miami CF will play its second match of the week when it travels to FC Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon. Miami had its three-match unbeaten streak snapped in a 2-0 loss to Montreal on Wednesday. Cincinnati has been arguably the worst team in the MLS this season, losing its last two matches by a combined score of 8-0.
Miami playing third game in seven days
Inter Miami CF opened the season with an entertaining 3-2 loss against the Galaxy, but it bounced back with a 2-1 win over Philadelphia. It played to a pair of draws against Nashville and Atlanta in its following two matches. Miami was unable to get things going after just two days of rest, losing to Montreal in a 2-0 final on Wednesday. Bjorn Johnson scored a first-half brace to lead CF Montreal to the win. There was a two-hour, 21-minute weather delay that started in the 47th minute. Miami is now playing its third match in a seven-day span.
One bright spot from Wednesday’s loss was that Miami won the possession battle for the first time this season (51.9 percent), but it was outshot 11-6 (4-1 shots on goal). Miami has only scored one goal in its last three matches. Lewis Morgan had a good season in 2020 and is building on that success with a goal last weekend. Miami picked up a 2-1 win over Cincinnati last November in what was the most recent match between these teams. It has been installed as a road favorite in this match due to Cincinnati’s struggles in its last two matches.
Cincinnati could some offense
FC Cincinnati might be the worst team in the MLS right now, especially after Minnesota United snapped its winless streak with a victory on Wednesday. Cincinnati fans were happy to see its team not lose a game over the weekend, but that was only because they were off. There have been some severe defensive issues this season. It started in the opening match of the year, where the offense came through to secure a 2-2 draw against Nashville. Since then, Cincinnati lost to New York City by a 5-0 final and fell to Orlando in a 3-0 decision on May 1.
Orlando netted a goal in the opening minute of the match, marking the fastest goal in team history. Just as troubling as the defensive issues have been the offense, which failed to generate a single shot on target against Orlando. It was outshot 23-7 overall in that 3-0 loss. Cincinnati will be hoping to put all that behind them in what should be a special day. It is opening TQL Stadium for the first time, allowing 6,000 season-ticket holders to experience the inaugural match. Cincinnati has had an excellent fan base ever since its first USL match, so the atmosphere should be great on Sunday.
Side: (Cincinnati +0.5)
Miami is in a very difficult scheduling spot, so I have no desire to lay a goal with them in this match. It will be playing its third match in the last seven days and is having to go on the road. Cincinnati has not impressed to open the season, but the scheduling spot is advantageous. It has had more than a week off to prepare not only for Miami, but for the opening of a brand new stadium. I expect the atmosphere to be excellent, which will really help the team bring another level against a fatigued opponent. This feels like a sharp bet on the underdog.
Total (Over 2.5)
I know Cincinnati’s offense has been non-existent over the last two matches, but things are going to change on Sunday. It is playing in a new stadium in front of an excited home crowd, which is going to give them a big boost from an energy standpoint. Speaking of energy, Miami might have a problem sustaining its level on the defensive end in the second half. It is playing its third match in a week and it is on the road. The club does have enough talent up front to net at least one goal against a bad Cincinnati defense.
Teaser
FC Cincinnati will open its new stadium on Sunday afternoon against Inter Miami.
