FC Cincinnati settle in for healthy home stretch, starting vs. Quakes

FC Cincinnati will bid to bounce back from a tough loss to their intrastate rival when they host a San Jose Earthquakes side still looking for its first win since the World Cup break.

FC Cincinnati (6-6-5, 23 points) conceded twice late in the first half to fall 2-1 at the Columbus Crew last Saturday night, and they begin the final weekend before Leagues Cup play starts in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

But manager Pat Noonan's side is also beginning a stretch of eight of 11 matches in all competitions at home, a run that will take them through the middle of September. The team is also healthy, with only midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela unavailable for Saturday's match after picking up a red card late against Columbus.

If there's a time for a club led by double-digit scorers Kevin Denkey and Evander to make a move up the East standings, it may be now.

"We'll see how we take advantage of it," Noonan said. "I think as a starting point, we can be confident about how we approach the month with good health right now. Because there's depth, there's guys that I know are hoping for opportunities, and that'll be decided by how we get through San Jose, and then how we approach Leagues Cup."

After a sizzling start, the Earthquakes (10-4-3, 33 points) are still third in the West despite just one win in the past seven league matches.

Their only triumph in that span was 3-1 at the Portland Timbers on May 23, with the Timbers promptly firing manager Phil Neville afterward. Since returning from the World Cup break, San Jose lost 4-0 to Orlando City and drew 1-1 against the Los Angeles Galaxy, both at home.

But injuries to German star Timo Werner and others were a factor in that dip in form during the late spring. And there is no sign of panic within the ranks of a club managed by Bruce Arena, the MLS all-time leader in wins and major trophies won.

"We're pretty much just sticking to what we've been doing, working hard, working for each other and trying to be as clean on the ball and as solid defensively as possible," San Jose defender Reid Roberts said.

Preston Judd leads San Jose with 11 goals.

--Field Level Media