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Expected Goals: Upcoming Milestones for Matchday 13

May 17, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


Can FC Cincinnati Go Seven-For-Seven at TQL Stadium?

Of the impressive starts to the 2023 season across MLS, FC Cincinnati has featured a record-setting run in front of their home fans at TQL Stadium. The Orange and Blue have won each of their six home matches to begin 2023. Tonight against CF Montréal (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass), Cincinnati can become the fourth team in league history (excluding the shootout era) to win their first seven home games to start a season. Each of Cincinnati's wins at home have been by a one-goal margin and they have conceded just three scores over that span. LAFC (four) is the only other team to win each of their home matches this season.

Cincinnati has totaled nine goals at TQL Stadium and the duo of Luciano Acosta and Álvaro Barreal have scored or assisted on seven of those. Barreal has been incredible in front of the home crowd, producing one goal and three assists in 2023, as the 22-year-old proves to be one of the most talented left backs in the league.

Shutout Wins Galore - Four Straight for CF Montréal

Under first-year head coach Hernán Losada, CF Montréal have produced quite a turnaround after suffering six defeats in their opening seven MLS matches this season. Montréal's defense has stepped up and shut opponents down, producing four consecutive clean sheet victories. With the return of George Campbell and strong play of 21-year-old goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois, the Canadians are flying high heading into Matchday 13.

In MLS history, only the 2019 Atlanta United squad recorded five-straight clean sheet wins, with Montréal looking to join them on Wednesday as they travel to face FC Cincinnati (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass). Cincinnati has won each of their six home matches, meaning historical marks will be at stake between these Eastern Conference foes this evening.

Portland's Evander Hitting Stride in May

The Portland Timbers are back to their winning ways after an impressive 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Matchday 12. Leading the efforts was club-record signing Evander, who produced his first career MLS brace in the match. With his two goals, the Brazilian midfielder became the first player in Timbers history to record a multi-goal game following a multi-assist game, which he had accomplished on Matchday 11 versus Austin FC.

On Wednesday at Real Salt Lake (9:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass), Evander can join Timbers royalty with another standout performance. If he manages two goal contributions, he would tie club legend Diego Valeri for the longest streak of matches with multiple goal contributions in club history (three from September 7-20, 2014).

Queen City Unbeaten Streak Put to the Test

Even though Charlotte FC narrowly missed out on the postseason in their inaugural season, it was evident that their homefield advantage at Bank of America Stadium was going to be an issue for opponents. Despite a slow start to 2023, Charlotte has re-established the Queen City as a tough place to play, going unbeaten in their last four home games (2-0-2), including wins in each of their previous two matches.

Charlotte can produce their longest home unbeaten stretch in club history when they take on Chicago Fire FC this evening (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass). The Crown will also get a boost in attack, as leading scorer Enzo Copetti returns from a suspension and is fresh off a brace in his previous start at Bank of America Stadium.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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