Monterrey vs. FC Cincinnati Prediction & Match Preview (July 31, 2025)

FC Cincinnati has a lot of balls in the air this summer! Their ambitions? Another Supporters’ Shield while kicking off a serious push for Leagues Cup silverware. Their tournament run starts Thursday night at TQL Stadium, where Pat Noonan’s squad will host LIGA MX heavyweight CF Monterrey in their group stage opener.
Cincinnati has the home advantage, and TQL Stadium has been good to them this season. But Monterrey ran through them in last year’s Concacaf Champions Cup. Both clubs have made changes, and the lines are almost even, so this one? It isn’t exactly a soft landing place for either team.
Who you got for this one? Keep reading for what we think about this matchup, betting odds, recent form, head-to-head stats, the players we’ll be watching, tactical breakdown, and our picks for the three best bets!
Match Details
- Matchup: CF Monterrey (Liga MX) vs. FC Cincinnati (MLS)
- Date & Time: Thursday, July 31, 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT
- Location: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- How to Watch: Stream exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV (select US matches on FS1). In Cincinnati, listen on ESPN 1530 (English) or La Mega 101.5 FM (Spanish)
- Competition: Leagues Cup 2025, Phase One (Group Stage, Matchday 1)
Match-Up Overview
Let’s take a quick look at Monterrey and Cincinnati team-wise!

Monterrey
- Proven winners with a roster that’s built for tournament play
- They control possession through midfield depth and precision passing
- Clinical finishers, when given space and time in the final third

FC Cincinnati
- One of the strongest home teams in MLS this season
- They rely on physical play, quick transitions, and set-piece pressure
- Definitely motivated by last year’s 5–0 defeat to Monterrey in Concacaf competition
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
How have these two clubs been playing, and what’s their history?
Monterrey Last 5 Matches
- 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
- Found the net in 8 in a row
- They remain vulnerable when away from home
Cincinnati Last 5 Matches
- 4 wins, 1 draw
- Unbeaten in last 10 at TQL (8 wins, 2 draws)
- Logged 5 shutouts during that stretch
Head-to-Head (all-time)
- Monterrey leads the series 2–0
- Last meeting: 5–0 on aggregate in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup
- This will be their first meetup at TQL Stadium
Players to Watch
There’s a ton of talent on this pitch; Monterrey’s experience and technical edge come through in key areas, and Cincinnati’s more direct, aggressive style puts pressure on other areas. Here’s who to keep your eye on!
Monterrey
- Sergio Canales: Central to the attack with precise passing and control in close spaces
- Rogelio Funes Mori: A reliable finisher who consistently converts chances inside the box
- Luis Romo: Links midfield and defense really well, and is great at disrupting counterattacks and initiating transitions
FC Cincinnati
- Luciano Acosta: Orchestrates Cincinnati’s buildup play, regularly finds gaps with well-timed passes
- Matt Miazga: Physical anchor in the back line, critical for defending Monterrey’s aerial entries
- Alvas Powell: Adds width on the right and looks to feed crosses into the box from advanced areas
Betting Odds
If you’re betting on this game, here are the latest odds and lines via DraftKings:
Moneyline (3-way)
- Monterrey +140
- Draw +250
- FC Cincinnati +160
Draw No Bet
- Monterrey -125
- FC Cincinnati -105
Over/Under
- Over 2.5 (-150)
- Under 2.5 (+120)
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes: -180 | No: +145
Always check the most current odds before betting—lines can move quickly as kickoff nears, and staying informed could be the key to smarter wagers.
Tactical Breakdown
We’ll be watching a battle between control and disruption. Monterrey likes to dictate play with methodical buildup, and Cincinnati is more direct; they’re compact in shape, quick to pressure, and always looking to rush forward once they get the ball.
- Keeps the ball moving with purpose, and they patiently wait for small defensive openings
- Creates chances from set pieces and fast breaks after turnovers
- Midfield knows how to keep possession under pressure
- Stays organized defensively and presses with intensity in the middle third
- Uses quick outlets like Acosta and Barreal to break down the flanks
- They usually start out slower but generate chances later as space opens up
- Can Cincinnati disrupt Monterrey’s passing game without losing their shape?
- Will Monterrey leave too much room behind their wingbacks when they’re pushing forward?
- Humid conditions in Ohio could slow down the tempo and affect Monterrey’s stamina late in the game
Our Best Bets
Not sure what to wager? No worries, we have three solid-looking bets below!
Bet | Confidence Level | Why Do We Like It? |
---|---|---|
Draw No Bet – FC Cincinnati (-105) | 8/10 | Unbeaten in 10 at home and motivated to clap back after last year’s Concacaf loss |
Both Teams to Score – Yes | 7/10 | Attack-minded setups, and both teams have been finding the net regularly |
Over 2.5 (-150) | 6.5/10 | With so much talent on the pitch? It won’t take a lot for this to turn into a shootout |
Cincy’s Redemption Game? Our Final Verdict
Final Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2 – 1 Monterrey
Last year’s blowout? We know Cincinnati hasn’t forgotten. And this time, they’re on their own field, in better form, and have a tighter setup across the back.
Acosta is still the centerpiece, but Cincinnati also has stronger players around him, so he doesn’t have to go it alone. Monterrey will probably control long stretches of possession, but Cincinnati’s ability to break quickly and capitalize on openings? It makes this a winnable matchup.
We’re backing the home team with the Draw No Bet; it makes the most sense! Cincinnati’s been really strong at home and usually finds a way to finish chances when they have the openings.
Best Bets Recap
- FC Cincinnati Draw No Bet (-105): 8/10 confidence
- Both Teams to Score – Yes (-180): 7/10 confidence
- Over 2.5 Total Goals (-150): 6.5/10 confidence
Before placing your bet, double-check the confirmed lineups, review the latest injury updates, and compare odds across trusted sportsbooks to lock in the best value.

Alyssa contributes sportsbook/online casino reviews, but she also stays on top of any industry news, precisely that of the sports betting market. She’s been an avid sports bettor for many years and has experienced success in growing her bankroll by striking when the iron was hot. In particular, she loves betting on football and basketball at the professional and college levels.