This evening the Hawks take on one of the better teams in the A-League. With Washington and Lassiter this will be undoubtedly a tough match for the Hawks. Former Hawks midfielder Alvarez will be starting for the Mariners as well. Look for Alvarez to have a gut busting game against the Hawks. Alvarez was one of the players to leave Cincinnati after not being paid last season.
With the Hawks having so many off field issues I look for an easy win by the Mariners. With all the pressure on the Hawks coaching staff, or should I say Nick Raneiri, I don't see much input coming from the coaching. No one individual can coach a professional team on his own. It's hard enough for a full staff.
Through the entire off field strife we can always expect the Hawks to put on a decent showing. With young players full of hustle they will want to prove themselves to the League. Look for these guys to come out in the beginning of the game playing tough. If the Hawks' can maintain the enthusiasm throughout the contest I see a good result coming from it. It will be a tough time for the Hawks to do this. I see the Mariners coming out with patience and with their experience they will pick the Cincinnati defense apart. Look for a final score of 4-0.
To all Cincinnati fans, lets get behind our guys and root for them. Show them that soccer is loved here in Cincinnati and we want to see a professionally run team here in the city and to have it begin with them.
Mike Senger,
A-League.com Match Reporter.
