Cincinnati Soccer Formation

Starting Lineup

FC Cincinnati relies on a very compact and counter attacking identity through a 5-2-3 formation. The team is built to absorb pressure and use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition. This lineup focuses on defensive solidity before looking to exploit space in transition.

CELENTANO guards the goal while the defenders form a solid defensive block. NWOBODO sits at the heart of the back three to win the header and clear the lines. To his sides, ROBINSON and MIAZGA act as the wider centre-backs to cover the space left by the wing backs. YEDLIN and ENGEL operate as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width in possession but they must track back to defend the flanks. The whole unit works to defend zonally and maintain a tight line.

The midfield consists of a double pivot with KUBO and BUCHA. They are responsible for connecting the defence to the attack. BUCHA works to shield the defence and win the second ball in the middle of the pitch. KUBO carries the ball forward to break the line and move the play into the final third. They work to compress the midfield and deny the turn of opposing players, making sure the distance between the lines stays small.

Up front, the team uses three attackers to press the opposition back line. DENKEY acts as a lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. EVANDER and ORELLANO play as wide wingers to provide the main threat. EVANDER likes to cut inside to create chances from the half-spaces, while ORELLANO looks to stretch the defence by hugging the touchline. When the team wins the ball, they aim to hit in behind on the transition to exploit the space behind the opposition full backs.

One major advantage for Cincinnati is the ability to create wide overloads. When YEDLIN and ENGEL push up, they overlap the wingers to force the opposition to defend more players in wide areas. The formation also provides great compactness when defending deep. This makes it very difficult for opponents to find passing lanes through the centre of the pitch.

This 5-2-3 formation is designed to stay solid and strike with speed. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and allow space to exploit on the counter.