MLS 2020: Chicago Fire vs FC Cincinnati

After a successful tournament, the MLS has resumed league play by restarting the table and giving each team a clean slate. The two divisions, the eastern and western conference, are continuing matches while keeping a keen eye on coronavirus precautions.

Two teams that would have hoped for a better start to league play are Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati. They have taken a backseat in the MLS power rankings as teams such as Orlando City, LAFC and the Seattle Sounders have proved to be better in the opening matches. Chicago Fire could be compared to a team such as Arsenal in recent years. They were once dominant like Arsenal, but now the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City run the Premier League landscape. The Fire was one of the first MLS expansion teams and has had great success in the past, yet they are struggling to perform in the current footballing climate.

On the other hand, FC Cincinnati is somewhat of MLS newcomers as they begin their second season here. The MLS is Back tournament was a great opportunity for Jaap Stam, former Manchester United defender, to organise his side for the start of the MLS league play.

This tactical analysis and match report will explain the tactics of both Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati as the former side secured a convincing 3-0 victory.

Lineups

Chicago Fire, led by Raphaël Wicky, set up in a fairly balanced 4-4-1-1 formation. They used this formation throughout the whole match because of the consistency and results that it got them. The four defenders were protected by the flat midfield line, which included the danger man during the build-up play for the Chicago Fire: Alvaro Medran. The Spaniard played a crucial role while on the ball. Przemysław Frankowski was another dangerman, who was stationed on the right-wing but had the ability to get in and around the box. Finally, two forwards lead the line with Ignacio Aliseda taking charge of the other creative role at the tip of the midfield.

Jaap Stam, manager of FC Cincinnati, took a much different approach. He set up in a 5-3-2 formation, showing defensive tendencies even before the opening whistle. This decision was a crucial part of the match, something which will be explained further in the analysis. On the team sheet, the three midfielders were asked to do a lot of the heavy work in front of the back-five.