FC Cincinnati burst onto the scene in MLS, flaunting their three trophies in as many seasons... the wooden spoon. In each of 2019, 2020, and 2021, Cincy finished dead last in Major League Soccer, and it was not even remotely close in any of the three years. But, they are the wooden spoon holders no more. In a magical 2022 campaign, FC Cincinnati jumped from their dead last position in the Eastern Conference, straight into a playoff spot. For a team that was not on anyone's radar prior to the season, it was a remarkable achievement. TQL Stadium housed some of the most exciting players to watch in the entire league, including Brenner, Brandon Vazquez, and Luciano Acosta. Brenner and Vazquez bagged 18 goals each, while Acosta scored 10 and assisted 19. Their high-tempo and high-scoring matches were like no other. In the first two matches against CF Montreal last season, they managed to lose both by a 4-3 scoreline. They also drew each both NYCFC and Inter Miami 4-4. The attacking threat was always there, but perhaps the defense needed some work.
Luckily for Cincinnati fans, the front office is also smart enough to understand that their back line was begging for help this off-season. To help the problem in central defense, they went out and got Yerson Mosquera on loan from Wolves. The 21-year-old Colombian defender will likely get looks alongside Matt Miazga, possibly in Cincy's signature three-back. The third CB spot is still up for grabs, but Nick Hagglund and Ian Murphy are the most likely choices. At right-back, they grabbed the experienced Santiago Arias from Atletico Madrid. He made 54 caps for Colombia's national team, so FCC are clearly adding some Colombian spice to their defense. Another massive addition was Marco Angulo, within the U22 Initiative. The Ecuadorian transferred from Independiente del Valle, and signed a three-year contract. On the way out of Cincinnati is fullback Ronald Matarrita, who now plays in Ukraine. Calvin Harris was traded to the Colorado Rapids, while John Nelson is headed to expansion club St. Louis City SC for their inaugural season.
The orange and blue have considerable firepower on their roster, and their off-season signings only add to it. This team has potential to be at the very top of the Eastern Conference throughout. Brenner, who received offers from Udinese, Nottingham Forest, and other interest throughout Europe, will stay with the club for now. He did have one foot out the door, so a summer transfer would not be surprising. Another player that will garner interest from abroad is his strike partner in Brandon Vazquez, who scored his first goal for the USMNT last month. Obinna Nwobodo will hope to continue his success in the midfield, perhaps next to Angulo. Roman Celentano broke out last year in net for Cincy, so he will get the nod once again this season. Alvaro Barreal will remain an additional threat down the flank. Depth includes Sergio Santos, Dominique Badji, Yuya Kubo, and more. FC Cincinnati and Pat Noonan have assembled a quality side, now it's just about getting the results they want down the stretch.
Projected XI:
GK: Celentano
DEF: Barreal, Hagglund, Miazga, Mosquera, Arias
MID: Nwobodo, Angulo, Acosta
FWD: Brenner, Vazquez
Off-Season Grade: B+
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