By Luke Essig, Guest Writer

Last week, FC Cincinnati (FCC) clinched the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference of the Major League Soccer (MLS) Playoffs. Argentinian attacking midfielder Luciano Acosta has led the team to second place in the Eastern Conference and third place in the Supporters Shield, an award that goes to the team with the best record of the regular season.

Acosta is ranked high in MLS statistics this season. He is 19th in scoring with 12 goals and has the most assists across the MLS with 15. 

One of their strongest wins this season was a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Union back in June. Although they have been a top performing team in recent years, the Union’s performance has not been as strong as past seasons. Acosta scored a goal in the last minute of the game to give FCC a 4-3 win. 

If the season ended today, FCC would play No. 7 seed Charlotte FC in the playoffs. Cincinnati hasn’t had the best luck against Charlotte this season, as they lost to them in their last matchup 3-1 and drew 1-1 with them earlier this season. While the luck has not been there this year, FCC is the favorite against Charlotte.

The road to the MLS Cup championship will be a difficult one for Cincinnati. If they make it all the way to the semifinals, they have the chance of playing Eastern Conference leader Inter Miami. 

Miami is led by two star players of this generation, Lionel Messi and Luis Súarez. 

Miami is the leader in the Supporters Shield race, and they are currently ahead of Cincinnati by eight points in the Eastern Conference standings. Miami will always be a hard team to face as they have four Champions League winners in their squad, but Cincinnati has proven they can overcome adversity. 

FCC beat a heavily injured Inter Miami 6-1 earlier this season, and with Messi’s and Suarez’s injuries still healing, Cincinnati could pull out a win if they are to face Miami in the semifinals. 

Fans of the orange and blue hope the team can bring the first championship to the city of Cincinnati in 34 years.