As FC Cincinnati approaches their all-star break next week. The Cincinnati Reds is emerging from their all-star break this week. In both cases, the breaks provide a much-needed opportunity to rest.

Both teams are in the midst of seasons where they are exceeding expectations. FC Cincinnati will have three players in the MLS All-Star Game. Taking place next Wednesday in Washington D.C. Between the MLS All-Stars and the English Premier League’s Arsenal F.C. Luciano Acosta, Alvaro Barreal, Matt Miazga will be FCC’s representatives.

Acosta will be the MLS All-Star Team’s captain. He will also participate in next Tuesday’s MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. The grind of an MLS season is becoming more visible for league-leading FC Cincinnati. Outside of a gap between matches from June 10-June 21. The team hasn’t had a lot of time to rest between games.

For a team that typically plays once a week. FCC has had multiple two-match weeks this season. Partly due to FCC advancing to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. Along with that, FCC has had to fare without star players Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga in recent weeks. They were part of the United States Men’s National Team’s CONCACAF Gold Cup roster.

Vazquez could be considered FC Cincinnati’s biggest beneficiary of the all-star break. While FCC have shown that they can win when Vazquez and Miazga aren’t available. FC Cincinnati’s offense gets an extra jolt when Vazquez is available. The team only won once during the USMNT’s Gold Cup run. Which concluded on Wednesday with a penalty shootout loss to Panama. FCC’s lone win happened on the same night. Through a comeback 2-1 win at the New York Red Bulls.

Beyond Wednesday’s win, FCC lost to DC United 3-0 on June 24th. The night the USMNT began their Gold Cup campaign. FC Cincinnati went into this week after back-to-back comeback ties. Getting 2-2 ties against the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC. The all-star break also comes ahead of a packed second half schedule for FCC.

The Leagues Cup tournament between MLS and Liga MX teams starts later this month. FCC’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal match against Inter Miami looms in August. That match could feature global superstar Lionel Messi suiting up for Miami. Then there’s the resumption of MLS’ regular season to consider. With FC Cincinnati striving to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs. After the franchise made their first playoff appearance last year. Along with striving to win the regular season title, the Supporters Shield.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds resume play tonight after this week’s MLB All-Star Game in Seattle, WA. The Reds start a three-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers at 7:10 PM Eastern. The Reds have surged into surprise contenders in recent weeks. They went into their all-star break with a 50-41 record. Leading the National League Central division by a game over the Brewers going into Friday.

Few expected the Reds to be leading their division by the all-star break. Along with having 50 wins by the break when this season began. Some probably had 70-75 wins as their most optimistic prediction for the Reds this year. After all, they lost 100 games last year. This year, the Reds are on pace to potentially win 90 games. Fueled in large measure by an electrifying group of rookies.

The Reds’ surge tracks closely with infielder Elly De La Cruz’s debut on June 6. De La Cruz could be considered the biggest star in baseball that didn’t take part in last Tuesday’s All-Star Game. In his five going on six weeks in the big leagues to date. He stole second, third base and home plate during one at bat. He hit for the cycle to close out June. Which helped the Reds get the last win of their best-of-the-century 12 game winning streak.

While it would’ve been nice to see De La Cruz in the All-Star Game. Along with his fellow Reds rookies Matt McLain and Andrew Abbott. Having relief pitcher Alexis Diaz be the Reds lone all-star this year is arguably good for the Reds. Most of the team was able to get time to rest; ahead of a challenging second half. With a hefty July schedule that will put Cincinnati’s winning ways to the test. They’ll face the Brewers six times before the end of July. The Reds will also face the NL West co-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks this month.

Cincinnati’s starting pitchers really needed the all-star break. As the season has grinded on, many starters have spent time on the injured list. Having to fare without Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft for lengthy stretches of time this season. Boosting the pitching staff is the only pressing need the Reds have. As they head towards the August 1st trade deadline.

With the Reds and FC Cincinnati embarking on remarkable turnarounds. After going through respective rough stretches in recent years. Both are on pace to be playing in their respective playoffs in the fall. While making “the dog days of summer” compelling for both teams.