Pat Noonan admits his FC Cincinnati team have performed well beneath expectations at the start of this MLS season, ahead of Wednesday's visit to New York City FC.

The Orange and Blue have been consistent challengers for the MLS Cup in recent years, finishing in the top three of the Eastern Conference in each of the last three seasons.

But after eight matches of 2026, they are 10th in the East following two wins, two draws and four defeats.

They fought back to salvage a 3-3 draw against the Chicago Fire last time out, having found themselves two goals down with only 11 minutes to play.

Evander's penalty got them back into the contest, then the Brazilian's free-kick forced a Dje D'Avilla own goal to secure a point, but Noonan was still unimpressed. 

"That's not what living up to expectations looks like. We have high expectations of ourselves on an individual level and as a group," he said.

"The difference now is we're not meeting the expectations and the performances show it, and the results show it."

Asked what he put his team's struggles down to, Noonan said they must avoid giving themselves a mountain to climb via individual mistakes at the back.

"The character is not the issue. It's our attention to the details of the game. First half, we had two turnovers where we tried to force the play," Noonan said.

"I know mistakes are going to happen. But it's how we communicate and get tougher to play against. These are the basic things that we continue to get wrong. 

"There are many things that can help to prevent those moments, so we'll continue to try and figure it out."

NYCFC are three places and three points better off than Cincinnati, though their form has tailed off after a strong start to the year, culminating in a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Charlotte on Saturday. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York City – Nicolas Fernandez

Fernandez is NYCFC's chief goal threat, with his six goals so far this season ranking joint-fourth among all players in MLS. 

The Argentine was on target in their loss to Charlotte, with that goal halting his mini-drought of three games.

FC Cincinnati – Evander

Evander led Cincinnati's late fightback at the weekend, and his 20 chances created so far this season are at least four more than any of his team-mates (Bryan Ramirez, 16).

The Brazilian has also scored twice and provided one assist, in addition to having a team-high nine shots on target.

MATCH PREDICTION: NEW YORK CITY WIN

NYCFC won the last MLS meeting between the clubs, coming out on top 1-0 at TQL Stadium last season. Alonso Martinez scored the only goal in the second half of that match.

In fact, NYCFC have had Cincinnati's number recently, winning four straight matches between the two teams in a run that dates back to November 2024. 

During that period, New York have outscored the Orange and Blue 5-1.

And though Wednesday's hosts are winless in their last four matches, Cincinnati are yet to win on the road in MLS this year, losing three games and drawing one.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York City – 50.6%

FC Cincinnati – 24.4%

Draw – 25%