It is expected that pro-rel would not begin until the inaugural season of USL D1. The system will only include its three professional leagues, and not the semi-professional USL League Two that only runs in the summer.

It remains to be seen what exactly the format would be. The Pro League Standards (PLS) that leagues are required to follow will be hard to balance with a system that includes so many clubs moving back and forth in just one offseason. It is likely that USL implements a slightly altered pro-rel system, such as giving franchises the ability to choose if they want to be promoted, etc.

Regardless, this is a huge change on the battlefront of what fans call “the soccer warz.” This tongue-in-cheek term is used to describe the competition between the many leagues in American soccer. There hasn’t been a D1 competitor for MLS since NASL launched in 2011; it folded in 2017, but not without a lawsuit that reached a verdict just a month ago. As for pro-rel, this is the first time that an American professional league has ever actually implemented it. NISA tried, and failed, early this decade.

What does this mean for the local soccer scene?

Pros

USL has millions of fans that attend its matches each season, and the number will only continue to grow. A decent swath of this is concentrated in the tri-state area, with professional clubs like Louisville City, Indy Eleven, Lexington SC, and the newly added USL1 club Fort Wayne FC.

Serious money is being invested into these clubs; all of them have or plan to contruct soccer-specific stadiums to, built competitive rosters, and brought in decent attendance numbers. In theory, pro-rel will give teams more of an incentive to keep spending competitively. If they don’t, it will be reflected in the table.

Aside from the authentic feeling that lower-league soccer has, there was very little that differentiated USL from MLS. From a sporting standpoint, pro-rel makes it a worthy competitor. If local fans become aware of how this format works, it may make USL more entertaining for them.

This could turn USL from little more than a feeder league for MLS with a niche following, to a competitor that draws in larger numbers—which could make the local soccer scene even more bustling.

Cons

There is also a flipside to USL becoming a worthy competitor—it could lose credibility for owners. The league relies on team owners to survive, and these stakeholders might now have to choose between joining MLS or folding if they aren’t rich enough. But why?

In terms of business, promotion and relegation does not suit how American sports work. Owners expect their investment to be returned with a profit. If pro-rel is implemented, they run the risk of losing money if they are relegated; meanwhile, a club that hopes to be promoted doesn’t feel worth the risk of high investment. MLS is a closed league because its owners want to protect their interests.

If USL becomes a worthy competitor, it could still be a con. It would be entirely possible that MLS begins to poach already-existing USL markets, possibly going after two key franchises that happen to be local: Louisville and Indy. There is already speculation that Indy could join as an expansion side, which would surely kill Indy Eleven. There was slight chatter that Louisville could be “promoted” to MLS, but it died down.

MLS choosing to directly combat the USL would be much worse for the latter. The former has already proven itself an attractive business model. It is a league with ever-growing infrastructure, many more fans, and glitz and glamour. For these reasons, USL clubs wouldn’t lose anything by moving to MLS.

In the words of Geoff Tebbetts, the soccer warz have gone nuclear.

The post USL implements pro-rel, but what does this mean locally? appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

The Case for Worry

If you want to be worried about this edition of the Orange and Blue, there are signs that you should be. Even accounting for new players needing time to gel and a congested fixture list, there are a few things that Pat Noonan and the coaching staff might not be able to fix without the addition of some new players.

First, there is no replacement for Pavel Bucha on this roster. Bucha has been a revelation so far this year, stepping up his game by contributing more on the score sheet and in ball progression. He brings stability to the midfield both in and out of possession. In the lone match of the season to date where he didn’t start—the hefty defeat in Philadelphia—the team looked bereft of ideas on how to progress the ball or retain possession. Then, they seemed to collapse after Pat Noonan subbed him off in the second leg against Tigres, turning a 1-0 lead into a 3-1 deficit within 14 minutes of his departure.

In the Union match, Noonan elected to replace Bucha in the lineup with Tah Brian Anunga. In this case, Anunga struggled mightily to add anything in ball progression or retention, putting the team under more pressure defensively and proving that starting him and Obinna Nwobodo together will make ball progression more difficult. Against Tigres, Yuya Kubo subbed on for Bucha to add mobility and energy to a tiring midfield. However, Kubo’s lack of discipline defensively broke what had been a very structured defensive unit, showing that a lineup that includes him and Nwobodo as the defensive midfield block will make defending more difficult.

Second, the wide defender depth on this team is nonexistent. There are only three actual wide defenders on this roster: Lukas Engel, DeAndre Yedlin, and Alvas Powell. Outside of those players Noonan has relied on offensive pieces like Corey Baird, Luca Orellano, or Kubo to deputize. While none of these players is injured (yet), some of them have had their struggles.

Engel has had flashes of looking like the two-way wingback FCC has been missing. However, he was really poor in both matches that FCC lost. Against the Union, Engel completed just 67% of his passes and gave away possession on 33% of his touches. Against Tigres he looked tired, getting beaten time and again up the wing by Juan Brunetta and Javier Aquino. Yedlin and Powell have both had their struggles as well. However, with no depth in the wide areas of defense, Noonan can’t rotate players out of matches when necessary.

Why I’m Not Worried

The two cases for worry above are legitimate. I don’t think anyone wondering if these issues will hinder FC Cincinnati’s chances at earning silverware is overreacting. I could argue that both played a significant role in FCC having one less trophy to compete for by being eliminated from the CCC. However, by the end of the season, I don’t think either will be a major cause for concern.

I outlined how neither Anunga nor Kubo looked like a capable replacement for Bucha. This is not because neither are capable of starting in the midfield. Rather, the structure around them will have to change for them to be successful playing alongside Nwobodo. As the season progresses and the team is given more time to gel, I think that each of these players can replace Bucha in the lineup for certain kinds of matches. If Anunga starts next to Nwobodo, FCC will have to be willing to skip the midfield in ball progression and play directly into the front line. Denkey can hold the ball up as the team transitions, and in Kubo, Orellano, and Baird the team has enough speed to play into the channels and let them chase the game a bit. If Kubo starts next to Nwobodo, then the midfield won’t be able to sit in a structured block and defend for long periods of time. In this case, FCC has to be willing to get on the front foot, press aggressively, and defend more in transition. These kinds of tactical tweaks take time to develop. By the end of the season, FCC will be able to deploy either if Bucha is unable to start or play 90 minutes.

Finally, without adding a wide defender to the roster the depth in that position won’t get better. However, I think when Matt Miazga returns to the lineup this might be a moot point. With Miazga anchoring the back line, Pat Noonan will have the flexibility to play Miles Robinson on the left or right. Robinson is a fantastic 1v1 defender and an accomplished passer. Hiding the defensive flaws of an emergency wingback deputy like Kubo is much easier with a guy like Robinson playing behind him. Asking Engel or Yedlin to take a step back in possession when they seem to be struggling is much easier with a guy like Robinson helping to keep the ball moving along the back line. Add that to the fact that Miazga might be the best defender and the best ball-playing center back on the roster, and his reintroduction to the lineup could work wonders for easing our fears that FCC’s wide defenders can’t get the job done.

Take a Breath, It’s a Long Season

It feels like we have a lot of data on the 2025 version of FC Cincinnati because they’ve played seven competitive matches. However, one of those matches was played after Evander had only been on the roster for a couple of days, four of them were played without a key piece in Luca Orellano, and all of them were played over just 21 days—with the team not having much time to train between recovery sessions and match days.

Matt Miazga coming back into the fold and the team having more time to play meaningful minutes in different scenarios are two major things that will make FC Cincinnati better this season. Let’s not forget that they can still add up to three U-22 players, either in the primary transfer window (ending April 23rd) or in the secondary window (beginning July 24th).

I, for one, am not worried about this FC Cincinnati team … or maybe I am … just a little.

The post Why I am (and definitely am not) worried about this FC Cincinnati team appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Video: Kristi Kivi Bridgwater

Hosted by FC Cincinnati, the media was invited to their annual food and beverage event which allows us to have a preview of the new menu items we can expect to see at TQL Stadium this year. Executive chef Sheldon Morgan, who was part of the inaugural season staff and has been in the executive chef role for two years, highlighted the increased diversity in the menu. He states, “We wanted to kind of represent the team’s diversity in our menu and make sure we have something featured that everyone will love”.

This can be seen in the new hit vegan option- the ELT- which is a take on the classic BLT but instead uses eggplant in place of bacon and adds a rich vegan parmesan spread. The cauliflower tikka masala brings a blend of worldly spices while dishes like the loaded hot mett and Gary’s chicken sandwich remind us of the delicacies local to our Queen City. The clubs and suites have some incredible shareables coming as well with my personal favorite being the Argentine nachos you can find in FFC.

Lastly, we got an up-close look at the 10-year anniversary merchandise that highlights the club’s growth and history. The new scarf options and pullovers will be excellent for these cold weather
matches before summer hits.

All Photos: Rob Moore

The post FC Cincinnati food & beverage event appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Here is how we foresee FC Cincinnati’s 2025 campaign going with the emphasis on the MLS Eastern Conference finish and cup competitions.

1st | Gracin Galbreath – @gra_cin on X

I expect FC Cincinnati to be very successful this season. They’ve added a proven DP no. 9, an MVP candidate as Lucho’s replacement, a more defensive left wing-back, and some depth. Considering how high they finished last year with a squad that was hardly cohesive and mangled by injuries, there will likely be improvement. I’m saying they’re going to finish first in the Eastern Conference. Columbus has lost some key players and Miami has aged more; only Atlanta looks like a challenger. Cincinnati looks like the only squad with the longevity to win it.

My prediction for awards is based entirely on how I think they’ll finish. I’d say Denkey is a serious candidate for the Golden Boot and or Newcomer of the Year. I’d imagine he will be the club’s best player in ′25. Evander may be in the conversation for MVP, but I don’t think he’ll win given it’s his first season here. Noonan will be an easy candidate for Coach of the Year.

As for trophies, I can see them winning the Supporters’ Shield. Without Lucho, they can reap the benefits of being more well-rounded. If there is any squad to break the semi-final curse and win any cup, it is this one. But I don’t think they will, as history has proven in ′18 and ′23.

2nd | Jeremy Lance – @JeremyLance on X

Regardless of any and all inbound signings, departing the Lucho era plunges the club into a level of uncertainty. Will Pat be able to implement a system that has the squad maintaining their high level of the past two seasons? Will Evander live up to the hype? Will Evander or Denkey be able to carry the club when the moment is needed? Who will put out a full-page ad professing their love and admiration for the fans and city?

For me, I think everything will work out. Pat rolled out nine million lineups in 2024 and we finished with the 5th best record in the league. He knows what he’s doing and now he has a squad that doesn’t have to revolve around one player. The back line got stronger, and if they remain healthy should spend 2025 suffocating opponents. We now have a striker who comes with all the skills and none of the baggage. All signs point to great things. I see the Orange and Blue finishing 2nd in the East. LET’S GET THAT CUP!

2nd | Josh Dye – @Aquanoggin on BlueSky

Call it a hot take, a bold prediction, hometown slappy behavior, whatever—I believe this starting lineup is the best that’s FCC has produced. The potential is elite. I think Evander could shape this offense into a more cohesive unit, something we’ve never seen from FCC without Lucho Acosta. The pressure is now on Noonan and the staff to implement their system. The defense will take some time to get healthy, but in the end, it will be a top three defense in almost every category.

I still have questions about the depth and that could prevent us from reaching certain goals, but this is a trophy winning roster. I’ll say they finish 2nd in the East and get the job done. MLS Cup Champions.

2nd | Jacob Holton – @jakeholton12 on X

The team that Chris Albright has put together for this season is probably the best starting 11 at the beginning of a season that FC Cincinnati has ever had. An attacking trident of Luco Orellano, Evander, and Kevin Denkey has the potential to be one of the best goal scoring teams in the entire MLS, including Miami. There will be less individual brilliance, but if those three gel together quickly, other teams are going to be in trouble. The backline should return to form with Matt Miazga coming back from injury and Miles Robinson and Teenage Hadebe returning. Pavel Bucha is entering his second season in MLS and will be paired with Obinna Nwobodo and Yuya Kubo through the middle. With this starting 11 it seems impossible for FCC to not win at least one trophy. I don’t see FCC putting a ton of focus on the CCC, or the Leagues Cup for that matter. This season feels like MLS Cup or bust. All that said, I think FCC finish 2nd in a very strong Eastern Conference. And in the end FCC will lift the first Championship in Cincinnati since the 1990 Cincinnati Reds.

2nd | Brian Biedenbach –@BrianBiedenbach on X

Two weeks ago, with much uncertainty surrounding the squad, I would have said the Orange and Blue would find their way into the playoffs as a 5th or 6th seed in the East. However, with the recent signings of Lukas Engel and Evander, each of whom brings something different to the squad than perhaps we’ve seen to date, I’m much more optimistic.

In their search for chemistry and developing partnerships due to the 11th hour signings, they may not start fast enough to make a push for the Supporters’ Shield, but they will find their way to a 2nd place finish in the East and make a run for the MLS Cup. By season’s end, this Queen City squad could even have their second league MVP and their first Golden Boot. Perhaps that sounds unrealistically optimistic, but this organization has proven, by the money they spent and the players they brought in, that they mean business and will not finish the 2025 season empty-handed.

Credit: FC Cincinnati

2nd | Geoff Tebbetts – @geofftebbetts on BlueSky

You guys should presume I’m correct more often than not. I picked us to win the Shield in 2023, and I picked us to finish 3rd in 2024. (Ignore my prediction of Quimi Ordoñez, Impact Player—no one can bat a thousand.)

Last season reminded us that we’ll always be out of reach from our ultimate objective, whether it is due to self-inflicted wounds or karmic missteps. I do think that the splashed cash is evidence that the front office is ready to play. Exchanging Lucho for Evander is a gutsy but necessary maneuver, and the move to pull in Denkey as the scoring machine should produce immediate dividends. More importantly, I see teams staying behind in the East by either pulling back to retool for 2026 (Columbus, Philadelphia, NYCFC) or doing more to make up for lost ground in 2024 (New England, Chicago, Atlanta).

It will be a pipe dream to get individual accolades on this team, but I do see Pat Noonan in the running for another Coach of the Year award. I also won’t go so far to predict another Supporters’ Shield for this team but give me a second-place finish in the East, another return to the Eastern Conference finals, and massive advancement to the Leagues Cup finals and CCC quarterfinals.

For a prediction more out of left field, I expect FCC2 to win the MLS Next Pro Cup—a mammoth accomplishment for the second team and academy to prepare for prime time.

2nd | Cliff Adams – @cliff-a on BlueSky

Albright is all in. New to our plight is the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and as FC Cincinnati prevailed over Motagua, they face an awaiting Tigres on March 3rd, with three more rounds beyond that point, increasing the workload during the earlier, colder months. The season start is not the kindest, with an immediate test in the cold against RBNY and an early look at Charlotte who will finish in playoff contention. April feels kinder, with New England, DC, Chicago and Sporting KC slated. And we’ll have played the first 10 games by the end of that month. If we post above 20 points in those competitions, our remaining season becomes somewhat protected from injuries and callups. I don’t see any cupcake teams, but would put Philly, Chicago, and DC United out of playoff contention this year in our conference. I do not see Orellano finishing the season with us. I have us finishing in the top three in the Eastern Conference, in the high 60s in points, with the Supporter’s Shield a possibility. We could make a deep run into the playoffs as well. It is officially a war of attrition.

Most importantly I will spend a lot of time in my seat at TQL, some of that time with the son and wife, some with good friends. I’ll arrive early and think about the week as I look out over the glorious pitch. I’ll experience a wide range of emotions. Some games I’ll adhere to my one-beer-per-goal rule. And most games, I’ll take the walk from the south end to the east and all the way around to the quiet outdoor overlook to the west to take in the sunset. I will let go of the worries of the day, be they cousins in hospice, family members in stage four cancer, or whatever challenges I’m facing. I will breathe in gratitude. And I will return to my seat and be thoroughly entertained, and a little unruly. That is certain.

3rd | Jason Ashcraft – @JaseTheAce41 on X

Predicting anything in Major League Soccer is a total crapshoot. Chris Albright took some big swings in the offseason with the acquisition of Kevin Denkey, the sale of Lucho Acosta to Dallas, and the purchase of Evander. But as seems to be a trend recently, there were issues with some players not arriving to camp on time and reports of a rocky relationship between the front office and the camp holdouts.

That said, if everyone can gel and stay healthy, I see no reason why FC Cincinnati can’t compete for another Supporters’ Shield. The talent is there as is the coaching. This being Major League Soccer, though, I think a realistic pick, and the one I’m sticking with, is that the Garys finish third in the Eastern Conference behind MLS’s version of the Kansas City Chiefs (Inter Miami) and a surprisingly good Charlotte squad.

3rd | Justin Blair – @_jeblair on X

This offseason FC Cincinnati pushed all their chips into winning a cup. The signing of Luca Orellano, Kevin Denkey, and Evander for a reported $31.2M in transfer fees signals to the MLS and beyond that FCC is hungry. With that I believe FCC will place a heavy emphasis on winning cup competitions above finishing top of the Eastern Conference table.

The pieces are certainly there for the Orange and Blue to assert their will, but I fear that the other clubs have made the necessary adjustments. Charlotte FC, Atlanta United, and Red Bull New York have all made a splash in the transfer market and are sure to build off their 2024 playoff finishes. Inter Miami, the ever-looming goliath, has also moved pieces around and has recovered during the off season. I can see FC Cincinnati finishing anywhere between third and fifth in the Eastern Conference this season. As I am eternally optimistic, I will deviate towards the higher of that range and land on a third-place finish.

As for cups, we all know that there are no guarantees in bracket formats. I think FCC has a favorable road in the CONCACAF Champions Cup with Tigres and LA Galaxy a mess in roster design versus philosophy. I can see FCC navigating their way to the semi-final, but I don’t think the roster will be gelled enough to dispose of the higher ranked clubs in the competition. In Leagues Cup, FCC has arguably one of the toughest roads in the competition with Monterrey and Chivas coming into TQL. I think this is where we see FCC in full glory. Several MLS clubs with be making summer window moves and Liga MX will be fresh off their mid-year pause. I believe FCC will win the Leagues Cup. Now with the final competition, the MLS Cup, who on earth truly knows here in February? FCC will be a favorite to win the cup but there are too many variables that are just not predictable. But this is a prediction article so I, like the club’s front office, will push all the chips in and say FC Cincinnati lifts the 2025 MLS Cup in front of a very silent Lumen Field.

4th | Jose Guerra – @L5Sourcerer on X

As we sit down in our living rooms, home offices, decks (heated ones if you’re in the north) and maybe even during our workouts, we continue to absorb the constant news about FCC roster changes. All types of permutations, scenarios, what-ifs, and dream lineups come and go through our minds. Which is why making predictions is sometimes a random exercise in luck. But who has not tried to figure out where we will end the season? So here are what I believe the awards and final position will be at the end of the 2025 season.

Despite the roster rotation we’ve had, I believe FCC has a shot at the following:

• Golden Boot – Kévin Denkey
• Comeback Player of the Year – Matt Miazga
• MLS Best XI – Luca Orellano

My big assumptions for these awards are that Denkey has plenty of plays sent his way, Miazga is back to form, and Luca focuses on playing.

In terms of position on the table, I think it will be 4th. Here are my reasons and assumptions:

• Assuming the backline is stable (i.e., no more season ending injuries), it will give the team some breathing room as the rest of the lineup gets used to the system and chemistry is built. But as we saw last year, depending on your backline to weather an entire season is not sustainable if scores are down.
• With Obi Nwobodo and Tan Anunga we may also have a strong midfield that disrupts play, giving the backline some relief from all those plays that plagued FCC last year on opponent breakaways, with some progression opportunities through Anunga while surely missing the Acosta factor.
• With no Acosta, our goal scoring opportunities may go down if the patterns from the previous two years continue. That means that a combination of Pavel Bucha, Yuya Kubo, and Evander will need to pick up some of the slack and maybe a change in system will help (but we will still miss Lucho magic).
• The frontline with Denkey and Orellano could be very effective, but they’ll need time to get used to each other and also create chemistry with the midfield.
• Lastly, there is what I call the “X” factor. Which teams in the Eastern Conference will be the surprise and push towards the top three to five positions? We see it every year so some team, or teams, will do it again this year.

The post CST staff predicts FC Cincinnati’s 2025 season appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

This exchange was possible through the new Cash Transfer rule, introduced in January 2025. This rule allows an MLS club to invest unlimited money into acquiring a player within the league.

This move could help fill the gap left after Luchiano Acosta’s exit to FC Dallas. Both transfers are intertwined as FC Cincinnati could only make this move after Acosta’s deal was solidified.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Evander and his family to Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, General Manager. “Evander has proven himself as one of the best players in our league, and his creativity and vision will be a great addition to our attack. He’s an excellent teammate, and we’re excited about how he’ll fit with this group. This signing is a testament to the club’s ambition and a credit to our ownership for their continued investment in this roster.”

With the Timbers, Evander has made a name for himself by being selected for MLS’ 2024 Best XI after his breakout season. In the 2024 season, he scored 15 goals, led the league with 19 assists and was second in the league with 34 goal contributions, he was named MLS All-Star and an MVP Finalist.

Before being acquired by the Timbers in December 2022 he spent his time in the Danish Superliga. Playing for FC Midtjylland with 123 appearances and 39 goals over four years. Before his time in the Danish Superliga, he started his career with the Brazilian club Vasco da Gama. Evander was the youngest Vasco da Gama player to score twice in a Copa Libertadores match at 20 years old (2018).

“I’m really happy, and I’m looking forward to the start of the season,” said Evander. “When I received the video of the stadium and training facility, and all the fans as well, I just got even more excited to be part of the team, to be part of the club. I’m looking forward to meeting up with the fans. I’m here to help. I’m here to do my best for the club and hopefully win some trophies.”

Sensational. Brilliant. Evander. pic.twitter.com/h3PaiUgo6R

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) February 17, 2025

The post FC Cincinnati acquires Evander from Portland Timbers in historic exchange appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Kit details as provided by FC Cincinnati:

“The Orange and Blue Legacy Kit celebrates the club’s rich history, growth, and deep connection with its fans and the community. The Orange and Blue Legacy Kit honors the team’s journey throughout the years and the supporters who have been an integral part of its success. It serves as a symbol of pride and unity, reinforcing our commitment to excellence on and off the field.

The kit’s design serves as a tribute to our roots, honoring the early days in the USL while simultaneously embracing our ongoing journey in the MLS. The kit celebrates the bond with our supporters, embraces the past and emphasizes future growth and prosperity.

The kit incorporates elements from our past, specifically the beloved 2016-17 USL jersey. It features the colors from the FC Cincinnati crest and a distinctive orange sash adorned with diamonds that pay tribute to our USL roots and reflect our identity as the “Gem of the Queen City.”

 

Our staff at Cincinnati Soccer Talk offer to share their opinions on the new kit as well as take a look at previous FC Cincinnati kits.

A | Gracin Galbreath – @gra_cin on X

I think this kit is a solid A. It checks off a lot of what fans have been asking for—diamonds, a throwback kit, more orange on a primary, etc. They didn’t seem to have a “kit identity” once they joined MLS, but this one mixes the past and the present well while keeping the sash—are we going to keep seeing that style, and is it meant to represent the crest?

Overall, I would rank it as the best kit they’ve released in MLS. I enjoyed the River Kit, but it has now been demoted to second place. For me, the rest go in this order: Juncta Juvant Kit, Heritage Link Kit, inaugural home kit, the BOLD kit, the Canvas Kit, the Dynamic Kit, and the inaugural away kit.

A | Cliff Adams – cliff-a.bsky.social on BlueSky

I never thought I’d like orange. However, my favorite kit was the 2022-2023 Orange Away Kit (A+). This allowed my family to spot me and my svelte figure in a crowd. And if I were to go out and about, nothing screams “I’m an FCC fan! Deal with it!” like that orange!

The 2023 “River” Kit (C+) made me wonder why we would celebrate something so heavily polluted as a city identifier and caused me to worry we were venturing into 80s territory. I like “timeless.” Just because you can do something stylistically doesn’t mean you should, which was a sentiment wholly disregarded for the 2020 Home Kit (D+), featuring the three, thick vertical shoulder lines, the two-tone dark blue approach which felt disjointed, but probably served to dismiss the 2019 lighter, “Nippert-era” blue. Ironically, the new 2025 Home Kit seems to take all those 2020 elements and assemble them with more thought. I love the big orange sash, and combined with the Adidas shoulder “epaulets,” it reminds me of some of the great Peruvian National team kits and evokes “brave soldier.” I can’t wait to see this on ours! I’ll be purchasing this one!

B | Jacob Holton – @jakeholton12 on X

I give the new home kit a B grade. I love the sash with the diamonds. It’s a really cool bit of design that harkens back to the 2018 kits, which were the last of the USL era. I wish the light blue at the bottom of the kit was present throughout, but the two blues on the shirt isn’t awful.  FC Cincinnati haven’t had a really great home kit in their time in MLS. The inaugural one in 2019 was nice, but I think the new one tops it, and is miles better than the River kit. In terms of Overall ranking, it’s pretty high The Heritage kit is the best of the MLS era followed by the Juncta Juvant kit, then the Canvas kit, and I think the new home shirt goes right behind it, it’s a great effort by Adidas.

B+ | Josh Dye – @Aquanoggin on BlueSky

The Legacy Kit gets a B+ from me. The homage to years past is nicely done, with the diamonds finally making it back into the rotation. This sash works much better than the River Kit and I like the pops of blue. My biggest problem is the shoulder navy and the upper chest navy still looks like different shades and I don’t know if I’ll be able to unsee it. It cracks the Top 5 as my favorite FCC shirts so far.
1.) 2018 USL Home
2.) Heritage Kit
3.) Dynamic Kit
4.) Inaugural Kit
5.) Orange and Blue Legacy Kit

Here are CST’s previous articles regarding MLS kit releases.

Inaugural Kit

Heritage Kit

Dynamic Kit

Juncta Juvant Kit

River Kit

Canvas Kit

If you would like to get your own Orange and Blue Legacy Kit, you can purchase them starting Thursday, Feb. 13th at the OTR Team Store and the TQL Stadium Team Store which will be open for special hours Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Visit the Team Store site for more information.

The post FC Cincinnati unveils The Orange and Blue Legacy Kit appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

“As Lucho departs, we want to express our gratitude,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager in a statement. “Lucho has been a tremendous player for this club. From helping secure the first playoff appearance in team history, to an MVP season leading to the Supporters’ Shield, he has played a huge role in the story and success of FC Cincinnati. We wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.”

It was a saga that lasted the entire offseason. Boca Juniors, Corinthians, San Jose, and even Chicago were suitors; Estudiantes weren’t able to agree on personal terms. A deal would finally materialize with the Texan club, made possible by MLS’ new “cash for players” trade market, which allows a club to sign two in-league players per season for a flat fee.

Dallas are in the midst of a rebuild under Eric Quill, their newly-hired manager from New Mexico United. Most of their starters have been dealt. They traded for Lalas Abubakar, Anderson Julio, Shaq Moore, and Léo Chú. From abroad, they added Ramiro from Cruzeiro and Osaze Urhoghide from Amiens to significantly bolster their defense. Lucho is their biggest acquisition; he could form a partnership with club-record signing Petar Musa.

Lucho is the greatest player in the history of FC Cincinnati. He spent four seasons here—all as the captain—accumulating 54 goals and 53 assists in 151 appearances. He is the all-time leader in scoring and assisting in club history. He won the 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP, leading the club to the Supporters’ Shield; that season, he’d score 21 goals and 14 assists in 44 matches.

His first season was in 2021, during the Nijkamp era with Jaap Stam was his head coach.  Some of his teammates included Geoff Cameron, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Haris Medunjanin, and Brenner.  He ended that season with 7 goals and 8 assists in 31 appearances.

He was the star in the club’s quick turnaround under the leadership of Albright and Noonan. In the 2022 season, he had 11 goals and 13 assists in 34 matches. He would lead the club to its first MLS playoff berth.

In 2023, he led FC Cincinnati to its best-ever season. They would win their first Supporters’ Shield, a trophy awarded to the club that finishes in first place during the regular season. He would also lead them to the Eastern Conference Final. He finished that season with 35 G/A in 44 matches and the Landon Donovan MVP award.

In 2024, he maintained this form with 34 G/A in 41 matches. He would lead FC Cincinnati to a third place finish in the Eastern Conference despite being hampered by injuries in the backline. But it would end up being a disappointing season.

After the Round One Best-of-Three loss to NYCFC that ended FCC’s 2024 season, he had this to say immediately after the match: “We played a game today that I may remember as my last at the club. I played with my absolute 100% and more. I hope that’s how I’m remembered. This is a club I gave my life for, I gave everything for.”

Lucho revealing that it was his last year in Orange and Blue had fans completely shocked. His statements came just months removed from pledging his loyalty to the city in his MVP speech, the front page ad he took out in the Enquirer, and his celebration after the game-winner in the 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Union.

He expressed frustration with the front office’s inability to retain Álvaro Barreal, Junior Moreno, and Santi Arias—all among his closest teammates. This was repeated in a statement sent to Laurel Pfahler that publicly exposed a rift with GM Chris Albright. But it would’ve been difficult for those players to all be maintained.

That is not to mention on-field hindrances. He battled an ankle injury over the course of the season that sidelined him in the summer; the extent of this injury isn’t known. He dealt with a revolving door of strikers and wasn’t really able to play with a DP in that position.

All of that combined with rumored personal issues that would’ve made a return to Argentina necessary. These issues have not been confirmed, but they could add context to why he departed so suddenly—and why he would blame Albright for issues that couldn’t have been entirely his fault.

Lucho’s departure allows a new era to begin for FC Cincinnati; they reach roster compliance and are set to sign Evander as his replacement. Despite obvious feelings of betrayal from the fanbase, his time at the club will be remembered fondly.

The post FC Cincinnati trades Lucho Acosta to FC Dallas appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Who is Lukas Engel?

Engel, a 26-year-old Danish international, spent the past few weeks training with FCC as a trialist and appeared in the team’s preseason match against the Philadelphia Union. His arrival comes after an up-and-down tenure with Middlesborough. Initially joining the EFL Championship club in 2023, he immediately jumped into the starting left back role, tallying two goals and four assists in his debut season. However, an early-season injury and the arrival of Neto Borges has relegated Engel to more of a support role this season. Before moving to England, he spent the entirety of his youth and senior career at various clubs in Denmark.

Engel and the Orange and Blue

Per The Atheltic‘s Michael Walker, Engel is a player FCC have had their eye on for some time. With the departure of Yamil Asad and uncertainty over which position Luca Orellano will play in 2025, Engel’s addition adds much-needed depth to the left wingback spot. When up to form, Engel has the tools to help FCC’s attack from the left side, albeit in a different style than Orellano and Asad. While the latter two excelled at creating plays through their dribbling, Engel is more of a pass-first playmaker who likes to use progressive passing to move the ball down the pitch. He has the tendency to be an aggressive playmaker unafraid to attempt high-risk, high-reward passes in the attacking third. Defensively, Engel is sound enough to be a reliable presence in his own third, although he is sometimes prone to conceding key fouls in dangerous areas.

Engel’s use with the Orange and Blue will likely come down to several still-undecided factors, including Orellano’s role and which formation Pat Noonan uses moving forward. If Orellano moves to a more central attacking role, Engel has the capability to be a reliable starter at the wingback position. At worst, he’s an experienced player who will provide immediate depth to a backline still on the mend.

The post FC Cincinnati tackles LWB need, acquires Lukas Engel on loan appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Preseason in every sport is notorious for sending fans into over-reaction mode. Whether our teams are winning or losing, we want real data from preseason performances that just doesn’t exist. FC Cincinnati handled the Union pretty easily in the end, winning  4-1 after 120 minutes of play. However, I would preach caution when reading anything into the results of the match. Instead, here are some tactical observations  that just might turn out to be true as we head into the season…maybe.

*Note: I’m writing this assuming that Lucho Acosta will not be on the roster for the 2025 season.

Kévin Denkey will get off to a slow start in 2025.

There is a truckload of caveats that needs to be dumped all over this take:

• Denkey hasn’t had much of a chance to play with important players like Yuya Kubo or Luca Orellano  due to their late arrival to camp.
• Denkey is a super-star designated player, and it wouldn’t be odd if he was just trying to get his fitness up while not getting hurt during the preseason.

Denkey’s strength and tenacity will probably allow him to get better as games progress and defenses wear down, yet we only saw him for around 30 minutes on Friday.

All of that said, I fully expect  Kévin Denkey to get off to a slow start this season, and not just because he is a young guy trying to get settled on a new team in a new country. FC Cincinnati seemed to have a very difficult time progressing the ball through the center of the pitch in this preseason match, and I think that will continue as the team tries to figure out life post-Lucho Acosta.

Acosta led the team in both progressive pass receptions (237) and progressive passes (250). That means if he wasn’t the one passing the ball forward and starting the attack, he was typically the one receiving the pass. On Friday, that presence was sorely missed. The team relied heavily on playing short passes to the wing backs and asking them to find an entry pass into the midfield or the forward line. When that wasn’t available, the team seemed to dump a ball in Kévin Denkey’s direction and ask him to battle a center back to hold the ball up while the team transitioned forward. All of this meant that Denkey spent a lot of time checking back into midfield to get onto 50/50 balls or to be an option for an under-pressure wingback. It is going to be tough for him to take on that much of the ball progression load and still find opportunities to put the ball into the back of the net.

Even if Evander or another Acosta replacement comes in soon, it will take some time for FC Cincinnati to sort out how they are going to get the ball to Kévin Denkey in dangerous forward positions. I expect him to start slow but build into the season as they do just that.

FC Cincinnati’s press will look the same, but be better, in 2025

I was really interested to see how FC Cincinnati would set up to press the opposition without Lucho Acosta on the pitch this season. Under Pat Noonan, the Orange and Blue has mostly pressed out of a 3-4-2-1 formation with Acosta both triggering and leading the press. That means that he was both indicating when the team should press and when it should drop off, often the furthest player forward when the opposition’s back line had the ball. Consequently, whoever was playing center forward spent a lot of time dropping in as an attacking midfielder in defense.

Without Lucho Acosta on the pitch on Friday, FCC still pressed out of the 3-4-2-1 formation. However, with the starters on the pitch, Kévin Denkey led the press with Luca Orellano and Pavel Bucha dropping in as midfielders. Denkey is not only much more energetic as the spearhead of the press than Acosta, but he will also be more adept at pulling defenders out of position or creating space in the box in transition when the press wins the ball back. Furthermore, new left wingback Lukas Engel is going to be far better defensively than Yamil Asad, Orellano, or any of the cast of characters that filled in at that spot last season.

FC Cincinnati’s first goal came directly off the press, and I expect that to be a feature for the team in 2025.

Yesterday's goals, a thread :

Pavel taking it himself. pic.twitter.com/T4yrtbtVgL

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) February 8, 2025

FC Cincinnati will defend more and look to score in transition in 2025

Last season we would often see FC Cincinnati build patiently from back to front before looking to get Lucho Acosta on the ball in the final third of the field. The team relied on set possession and pinning teams back to generate chances. On Friday, FCC certainly possessed the ball at times,but mostly with their defenders. Once the team made the decision to go forward, they looked to get there quickly.

I don’t think that FCC is going  to dump and chase or turn into the kind of direct team that we’ve seen out of the Red Bulls, St. Louis, or even the Philadelphia Union. However, it sure looked to me like the tactical emphasis in possession during this preseason match was to pass the ball side to side in the back and midfield only as a means to move the ball forward as quickly as possible. Often, the team would lose the ball or find a shot prior to both wingbacks even being able to join the attack.

That sort of frenetic pace will mean the team might spend more time defending, but when they win the ball, they will be more decisive in turning defense into attack.

So, that’s what I saw on Friday. I think these tactics just might give us a glimpse at how FCC will play throughout the coming season…maybe.

The post What I Think We Can Learn from a Preseason Match…Maybe appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Who is NY Pancyprian Freedoms?

Now you may be wondering, like myself, who are the NY Pancyprian Freedoms? That was my first thought, and after looking into them, I have to admit they have quite an interesting history. Founded in 1974 by the Greek-Cypriot community in Astoria, Queens, the club has been a mainstay at the top levels of amateur football in America since their inception. They compete in New York City’s Cosmopolitan Soccer League, a member of the United States Adult Soccer Association. In their time they’ve won eight Cosmopolitan League titles, most recently in 2019.

In addition to their League success, the Freedoms have ample experience in the Open Cup. They are one of the 63 teams to ever win the tournament, and they did so three times in the early 1980’s. In 1984, during their pursuit of a CONCACAF Champions Cup, they made it to the semi-final round before being disqualified along with slotted opponent CD Guadalajara, as the two sides couldn’t agree on match dates.

During their most recent Open Cup run, the team defeated New York Red Bulls U-23 before losing their second round matchup to Jersey Express. In addition to their Open Cup ventures, the side has won the USASA Open Cup three times (2008, 2010, and 2011).

Mainly comprised of players that have come up through the Eleftheria-Pancyprian Youth teams, the team boasts a lot of NCAA Division 1 soccer talent. This side is sure to prove a good challenge for FCC 2 and has proven itself as a dark horse in the past.

If you have nothing better to do, make your way down to Highland Heights on March 20th at 7:30 PM to see what is sure to be an electrifying fixture.

A previous version of this article misstated the name of the New York Pancyprian Freedoms as the New York Pancyprian FC.

The post FCC 2 draws NY Amateur side for 1st Round of Lamar Hunt US Open Cup appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.