August 12, 2015, a huge day in FC Cincinnati History. Carl Linder and Jeff Berding held a press conference to state they are starting a professional soccer club in the City of Cincinnati. I remember it well as it was days before I was to get married to my lovely wife. Exciting times for all. A new professional team that could possibly bring a championship to the snake-bitten Cincinnati? A team that could restore hope and brings Cincy in line with other major cities across the US? An organization that can tap into the great Soccer Culture of the city and suburbs? But like most fans of other Cincinnati teams, some might have been waiting for when the good times eventually fizzle out. The 2023 Season is looking to change that vibe.
While experiencing the early success of Chicago Fire while growing up, I have also seen them be irrelevant since 2006. Moreover, watching the Fire Organization build a new stadium to just leave that stadium to go back to Soldier Field makes me a bit skeptical of the possible business plan of FCC. As a big fan of the sport, I was drawn to watch games at Nippert Stadium in the early days as the feeling of Game Day was always collegiate and energetic. The rapid success made them a popular entertainment option and their hipster vibe made you feel like you were getting to see the band before they went mainstream.
As all business people know, you ought to strike while the iron is hot. So after three seasons in the United Soccer Leagues (USL), the Organization decided to take the big leap to the big leagues. And a huge leap it ended up proving to be. Alan Koch, the coach in charge during a lot of their success in USL, only lasted 11 games at the MLS level. And that wouldn’t be the last Managerial or Organizational change over the years. In fact, I’d argue that the many, many, many changes, from the high-profile players that have come and gone like Przemyslaw Tyton, Fanendo Adi, Greg Garza, Jurgen Locadia to high-profile coaches like Jaap Stamm or Ron Jans, has possibly hindered the growth of the franchise.
Then, as the ownership group had promised when they made the initial jump to MLS, a new stadium was to be constructed. Whenever the words “new stadium” come up, the residents of Hamilton County immediately begin to dwell on the City’s terrible deal with Paul Brown Stadium. To be fair, the Lindner family was cognisant of this history, and the stadium was privately financed and financing of the replacement to Stargel Stadium on the West side. Although, the arrival of this new 26,000-seat arena did push out residents and the Cincinnati Ballet Rehearsal Facility. Overall, it seems to be a net positive for the local economy and community. As for the actual building, it still has that new car smell and the configuration of The Bailey allows the Supporters to be a driving force and strong influence on opposing foes.
The MLS is a different type of league, sometimes it reflects our country, a melting pot of different types of cultures. But mostly it is distinctly American. Strong, forceful, brutish, lacking touch, big egos, lacking guile, did I mention strength? Sometimes the best way to be successful in the league is to go with Coaches and players that have been successful in the league. Fast forward to bringing in Pat Noonan (MLS veteran player and coach) and Dominic Kinnear (4x MLS Cup-winning coach) and Luciano Acosta (star player with DC United). The stability brought in by these gentlemen to the franchise has proven to show good results. The growth of up & coming stars Roman Celantano and Brandon Vasquez is another reason for FCC’s upward rise. Also, with their Development Academy bringing through youngsters like Quimi Ordonez and Stiven Jimenez to provide a pipeline of talent that makes the current set up of the organization feel that this success will not be short-lived.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was FC Cincy. They have come a long way from being the hipster alternative on a college campus to being top of MLS and looking to secure a Major Championship. All for CINCY!