Evan Newton vs. Luke Spencer
It’s one of many key battles this weekend.
LouCity forward Luke Spencer returns to face F.C. Cincinnati after signing on with the “Boys in Purple” ahead of the 2017 season. With one goal in two games to start the 2018 campaign, Spencer has filled his role as an integral part of the LouCity attack both in preseason and to begin the year.
Now, he may be tasked with leading the line for the third straight match, this time against FCC and goalkeeper Evan Newton. The former Sac Republic FC ‘keeper has kept goal in both of Cincy’s first two matches on the road. With six points from two matches, Newton has kept two straight clean sheets against Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven, both 1-0 wins for the Orange & Blue.
READ | #CINvLOU: Talking Points
Richie Ryan vs. Paolo DelPiccolo
A battle in the middle of the park will come in the form of Richie Ryan against LouCity captain Paolo DelPiccolo when the teams meet on Saturday night.
DelPiccolo, who also donned the captain’s armband in 2017, helped carry LouCity to a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies last Saturday, earning the assist on Oscar Jimenez’s goal in the 69th minute.
Both DelPiccolo and Ryan have gone the distance in their two matches, going 180 minutes in that span. Both Ryan and DelPiccolo have done the dirty work defensively, making three clearances with a block apiece, while Ryan has intercepted five passes compared to PdP’s three.
Look for this central midfield duo to go head-to-head at the weekend.
Lance Laing vs. Sean Totsch
One attacker for LouCity defender Sean Totsch to keep an eye on is former North Carolina FC midfielder Lance Laing.
Laing, who made the switch in the offseason, has assisted in Cincy’s attack this year, most often creating problems for the opposition defense in his attacking third. Through two games, Laing has posted a 73% passing accuracy while creating a couple of opportunities from a wide area.
Meanwhile, Totsch has helped command the backline alongside Paco Craig and Pat McMahon. The defender is already on his way to replicating his form at the end of last year, completing 80% of his tackles while registering 10 clearances and one interception.
Emery Welshman vs. Greg Ranjitsingh
Finally, Saturday’s showdown may pit Cincy forward Emery Welshman against LouCity ‘keeper Greg Ranjitsingh.
Welshman scored Cincy’s lone goal in a 1-0 win over Indy Eleven last weekend and has been at the forefront of their attacking moves since their season began.
However, Ranjitsingh has been incredible in his two games in goal so far. Making four saves across the Nashville and Tampa Bay matches, the Trinidad & Tobago nationalist has also made six catches and smothered cross after cross to limit chances for the opposition.
