Charlotte vs Cincinnati matchup
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
FC Cincinnati host Charlotte FC on Sep 12 at TQL Stadium without suspended Evander and Obinna Nwobodo.
Cincinnati have lost two straight by a combined 9-0.
Background
FC Cincinnati return to TQL Stadium for an Eastern Conference match against Charlotte FC after losing their last two games by a combined 9-0. Their previous home game, on August 22, was postponed due to inclement weather, so Saturday is their first home match since then. Cincinnati will be missing two key players: Obinna Nwobodo, suspended after a red card in the 15th minute against Philadelphia, and Evander, suspended for yellow card accumulation. Head coach Pat Noonan has said the focus is on the group's connections and improving how they perform together.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026FC Cincinnati drew 1-1 at Orlando City SC in MLS regular season play.
- Aug 20, 2026FC Cincinnati beat New York City FC 2-1 at home; Charlotte FC drew 3-3 at Toronto FC.
- Aug 22, 2026FC Cincinnati's last home game before September 12 was postponed due to inclement weather.
- Aug 23, 2026FC Cincinnati drew 1-1 at home vs Seattle Sounders FC; Charlotte FC beat D.C. United 3-1 at home.
- Aug 30, 2026FC Cincinnati lost 4-0 at Nashville SC; Charlotte FC won 2-0 at Atlanta United FC.
- Sep 6, 2026Charlotte FC drew 0-0 at home vs Houston Dynamo FC.
- Sep 10, 2026FC Cincinnati lost 5-0 at Philadelphia Union; Charlotte FC won 2-1 at CF Montreal.
- Sep 12, 2026FC Cincinnati vs Charlotte FC scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio; available on Apple TV.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said the team is focusing on its own group and improving connections on and off the field, adding that losing two key pieces can affect any team but others are ready to fill in.
- Party
- FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander said there is no time to feel sorry after the loss and the team must come together, improve, and switch focus to Saturday's game.
- Caution
- Noonan noted Cincinnati's discipline problems, calling the Philadelphia loss a bad night and saying the team cannot get out of its own way, and that the level needs to rise.