FC Cincinnati will face three significant challenges in their next three games. Returning to Major League Soccer regular season play this weekend. Following a two-week gap between matches, after their Leagues Cup run concluded.

FCC returns with the latest chapter of the “Hell is Real” Derby. Visiting the Columbus Crew Sunday at 7:30 PM Eastern on Apple TV, FS1 and WCKY-AM (1530). The first of three matches within a week for FC Cincinnati. It’s part of a big 48 hour stretch for soccer nationally and globally. The FIFA Women’s World Cup concludes this weekend in Australia. With England and Spain playing in the final Sunday at 6 AM Eastern. Hours prior to that final, the Leagues Cup will conclude on Saturday night.

Inter Miami will face Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final at 9 PM Eastern. FCC will host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami next week. In the U.S. Open Cup semifinals next Wednesday. FC Cincinnati will host New York City FC on August 26th. Each of FCC’s three matches within a week will present specific challenges for them.

First, on top of trying to beat their cross-state rivals on Sunday. FC Cincinnati will strive to get back into the rhythm of MLS regular season play. After facing MLS and Liga MX teams in the Leagues Cup. FC Cincinnati grinded through many matches prior to their break. Plus, two of their three Leagues Cup matches were decided in penalty shootouts.

The team really needed a break amid a busy summer. FCC struggled through a stretch prior to the Leagues Cup. Where they had to fare without star players Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga. Who were part of the United States Men’s National Team’s Gold Cup roster. FCC had a loss, back-to-back ties and a win during the USMNT’s Gold Cup campaign. FCC barely had time to rest prior to the MLS All-Star Game and Leagues Cup breaks. Taking the sting out of FCC losing in the Leagues Cup’s round of 32.

Other Cincinnati professional teams recently struggled after lengthy breaks in play. Highlighting the concern for FCC heading into Sunday. The Cincinnati Reds was playing hot when they went into their all-star break. They lost their first five games after the break. The Cincinnati Bengals lost their first two games last season. The Bengals ultimately rebounded into winning ways as their season progressed. While FC Cincinnati can similarly rebound, they’ll strive to avoid a setback.

Facing Lionel Messi will be a big challenge when FCC plays Inter Miami. Messi is giving Miami a boost on and off of the pitch. Off the pitch, his arrival is making Miami one of the world’s most popular last-place teams. Messi’s star power alone is making tickets for next Wednesday’s game rather expensive. On the pitch, he’s helping propel Miami to Saturday’s Leagues Cup final.

FCC will need to avoid getting too starstruck by the circumstances. While sticking with what’s helping them succeed this season. The team has managed to battle from behind many times this season. They’ve been able to take advantage of opponent’s penalties effectively. FCC has what it takes to beat Miami, if they don’t let the matchup faze them.

Meanwhile, the New York City FC match doesn’t stand out as much as the other matches. Not underestimating NYCFC will be the challenge for FCC. Along with that, this will be the third match between FCC and NYCFC this season. FC Cincinnati won their MLS regular season and U.S. Open Cup matches against them. Beating a team three times in one year is a hefty task. These teams are fairly familiar with each other. Providing the ingredients for an upset FCC will try to avoid.

FCC will face another challenge with their remaining regular season games. Finishing strong in their regular season campaign. FC Cincinnati leads Major League Soccer with 51 points. With 23 matches played and 11 remaining regular season matches. Heading into that long homestretch, FC Cincinnati will play teams looking to boost their respective hopes.

Facing opponents that will be striving to boost their playoff hopes. Or teams that will be eager to play the role of spoiler. All while FC Cincinnati strives to maintain their own playoff hopes. If FC Cincinnati can overcome the challenges their next three matches will present. Their playoff and title hopes will stay in good shape.