Kevin Denkey Looks to Stay Hot as FC Cincinnati Faces Philadelphia Union

FC Cincinnati is off to a promising start in 2024, thanks in large part to Kevin Denkey’s immediate impact. As they prepare to face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night in Chester, Pennsylvania, all eyes will be on Denkey as he continues his torrid scoring form.

The 24-year-old striker has wasted no time making his mark, scoring in three consecutive matches across all competitions. His latest goal came on Wednesday in a 1-1 draw against FC Motagua in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, securing Cincinnati’s advancement in the tournament.

Denkey also found the back of the net in Cincinnati’s 4-1 win over FC Motagua on February 19 and the 1-0 MLS season-opening victory over the New York Red Bulls last Saturday. His ability to finish chances and link up with his new teammates has already made him a focal point of the attack.

Having arrived from Cercle Brugge in Belgium’s top division, where he won the 2023-24 Golden Boot with 27 goals, Denkey joined FC Cincinnati for a then-league-record transfer fee of $16.2 million. The early returns suggest he was well worth the investment.

“I’m prepared,” Denkey said, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. “When I saw this project, I knew directly that it was meant for me. … I think we are not yet 100 percent because there are a lot of players who don’t have the (chemistry) together yet. But we are still doing good, so it’s good. When we’ll be 100 percent, we’ll be very, very tough.”

Beyond Denkey’s goal-scoring heroics, goalkeeper Roman Celentano has been a rock at the back, making three saves in Cincinnati’s season-opening win over the Red Bulls. That performance earned him his 25th career MLS regular-season shutout, reinforcing the team’s defensive stability.

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Philadelphia Union Aims to Build on Opening Victory

Like Cincinnati, Philadelphia (1-0-0, 3 points) opened their MLS campaign with a victory, defeating Orlando City 4-2 behind a breakout performance from Tai Baribo, who scored twice.

Now, the Union will get an added boost with the expected debut of new striker Bruno Damiani and the return of defender Nathan Harriel from injury.

Signed for a club-record transfer fee, Damiani had been waiting on visa clearance but is now ready to contribute. Meanwhile, Harriel has recovered from a quadriceps injury and is back in full training, according to head coach Bradley Carnell.

“Nate’s trending in the right direction,” Carnell told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “He’s been training with us this week, full-go, so he definitely belongs to the available roster.”

With the Union playing at home, they will look to dictate the tempo and test Cincinnati’s defense early. Their attacking depth, led by Baribo, Julian Carranza, and Daniel Gazdag, could create problems for Cincinnati if the visitors aren’t disciplined at the back.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Denkey’s Finishing Touch
   The Togo international is off to a dream start with FC Cincinnati. If he can keep his scoring streak alive, Cincinnati will have a great chance to earn points on the road.
2. Philadelphia’s New Additions
   With Bruno Damiani available and Nathan Harriel back from injury, the Union will be stronger than they were in their opener. How quickly they integrate into the team will be key.
3. Can Cincinnati’s Defense Hold Firm?
   Roman Celentano has been excellent in goal, but the Union’s attack presents a bigger challenge than Cincinnati faced against the Red Bulls. The backline will need to stay organized.
4. Midfield Battle
   Cincinnati’s ability to control possession and disrupt Philadelphia’s build-up play will be crucial. Expect Luciano Acosta and Obinna Nwobodo to play pivotal roles.
5. Union’s Home-Field Advantage
   Subaru Park is a tough place to play, and Philadelphia will look to feed off their crowd. Can Cincinnati weather the early storm and settle into the match?

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Final Thoughts

Both teams come into this matchup with momentum, but Cincinnati’s early-season chemistry will be put to the test against a dangerous Philadelphia squad.

Denkey’s scoring streak is a major storyline, but so is Philadelphia’s attacking depth and the potential debut of Bruno Damiani. With both clubs eager to stay unbeaten, Saturday’s clash promises to be an exciting battle.

Will Cincinnati’s star striker continue his red-hot form, or will the Union protect their home turf? The answer awaits under the lights in Chester.