In the heart of the Queen City, a sporting revolution has taken root, transforming the local landscape and capturing the imagination of soccer fans across the globe. FC Cincinnati soccer is no longer just a local curiosity; it is a burgeoning powerhouse in Major League Soccer (MLS), defined by a world-class stadium, a passionate “Bailey” supporters’ section, and a commitment to excellence that has seen the club rise from the bottom of the standings to the top of the league.
Whether you are a lifelong Cincinnatian who remembers the record-breaking days at Nippert Stadium or a newcomer curious about the orange and blue flags waving throughout Over-the-Rhine, this comprehensive guide dives deep into everything that makes this club special.
Table of Contents
The Meteoric Rise: A History of FC Cincinnati Soccer
The story of FC Cincinnati soccer began in 2015, but its roots feel much deeper due to the immediate, overwhelming embrace by the city. When the club launched in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2016, the expectations were modest. However, the fans had other plans.
The USL Era (2016–2018)
The club’s first home was Nippert Stadium, the historic football venue at the University of Cincinnati. Almost overnight, the team began shattering attendance records. In their inaugural season, they drew over 14,000 fans to their first home match, a number that quickly grew to sellout crowds of 35,000 for friendly matches against international giants like Crystal Palace.
On the pitch, the success was equally rapid. The team reached the USL playoffs in all three seasons and won the USL Regular Season Championship in 2018. One of the most legendary moments of this era was the 2017 U.S. Open Cup run, where the “lower league” Cincinnati side defeated MLS rivals Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire, proving to the world that FC Cincinnati soccer belonged in the top tier.
The Jump to MLS
In May 2018, MLS Commissioner Don Garber officially awarded Cincinnati an expansion franchise. The transition was not without its “growing pains,” as the club faced a steep learning curve, finishing at the bottom of the league for three consecutive seasons (2019-2021). Yet, these struggles served as the foundation for the resilient, winning culture that defines the team today.
TQL Stadium: The Crown Jewel of the West End
A major turning point for FC Cincinnati soccer was the opening of TQL Stadium in 2021. Strategically located between the historic West End and the vibrant Over-the-Rhine districts, the stadium is widely considered one of the finest soccer-specific venues in the world.
Architectural Excellence
Designed by the world-renowned firm Populous, TQL Stadium features a striking exterior wrapped in 500 vertical aluminum fins. These fins are integrated with a custom LED lighting system that can display “motion sequences,” turning the stadium into a glowing beacon on match nights. In 2022, the stadium won the prestigious Prix Versailles, recognizing it as the world’s best example of architecture in sport.
The Matchday Experience
The Bailey: The north end of the stadium is home to “The Bailey,” a safe-standing section for over 3,000 of the most vocal supporters. This is where the chants, drums, and smoke screens originate, creating a wall of sound that intimidates visiting teams.
The March to the Match: Before every home game, thousands of fans gather at local pubs like Northern Row or the OTR Stillhouse to participate in a traditional march through the streets, ending at the stadium’s grand plaza staircase.
Local Flavor: The concourses aren’t just for hot dogs. Fans can enjoy iconic Cincinnati staples like Skyline Chili, LaRosa’s Pizza, and Graeter’s Ice Cream, ensuring the FC Cincinnati soccer experience is uniquely local.
Key Players and the 2025 Roster
To understand the current state of FC Cincinnati soccer, one must look at the roster that led the team to a dominant 2024 and 2025 campaign. Following the 2023 Supporters’ Shield win, the club has continued to invest in high-level talent.
The Stars of the Pitch
Luciano “Lucho” Acosta: Though rosters shift, the influence of the 2023 MLS MVP remains the gold standard for the club’s creative midfield play.
Kévin Denkey: A high-profile Designated Player (DP) signing from Cercle Brugge, Denkey represents the club’s ambition to compete at the highest international level.
Roman Celentano: The young American goalkeeper has become a staple of the defense, known for his acrobatic saves and leadership from the back.
Miles Robinson: A key veteran in the defensive line, Robinson’s presence provides the stability needed for deep playoff runs.
Position
Key Player
Notable Skill
Forward
Kévin Denkey
Clinical finishing & physical presence
Midfield
Evander
Visionary passing and set-piece specialist
Defense
Matt Miazga
Aerial dominance and vocal leadership
Goalkeeper
Roman Celentano
Elite shot-stopping and distribution
Community and Youth: Building the Future
FC Cincinnati soccer is more than just the first team; it is a community-building engine. The FC Cincinnati Foundation works tirelessly to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer.
Youth Academy and Initiatives
The club’s commitment to “rising Cincinnati” is evident in its youth development programs. The FCC Academy provides a professional pathway for local talent, while programs like “West End Pride” offer free recreational soccer to children in the stadium’s immediate neighborhood.
Mini-Pitches: The foundation has funded the construction of several mini-pitches across the city, providing safe, accessible places for kids to play.
FCC Futures: This program offers high school students first-hand experience in sports administration, preparing the next generation of leaders in the sports world.
The “Hell is Real” Derby
No discussion of FC Cincinnati soccer is complete without mentioning the rivalry with the Columbus Crew. Named after a famous religious billboard on I-71 between the two cities, the “Hell is Real” derby is one of the most intense and authentic rivalries in American sports.
The matches are characterized by sellout crowds, elaborate “tifo” displays (massive fan-made banners), and high-stakes drama on the pitch. Winning this derby is often considered as important to the fans as winning a trophy.
Why Cincinnati is a “Soccer City”
The success of FC Cincinnati soccer has challenged the traditional perception of Cincinnati as strictly a baseball and football town. The city has a rich history of youth and collegiate soccer, but the professional club provided the missing piece of the puzzle.
According to data from MLSSoccer.com, Cincinnati consistently ranks among the top markets for television viewership and ticket sales. The “Orange and Blue” have become a symbol of the city’s modern identity, ambitious, diverse, and fiercely loyal.
The Ultimate Matchday Checklist for FC Cincinnati Soccer Fans
To help you navigate the excitement of a matchday at TQL Stadium, here is your essential “to-do” list to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the FC Cincinnati soccer experience.
1. Pre-Match Preparation
Gear Up: Wear your “Orange and Blue.” If you’re looking for the latest kits, stop by the FC Cincinnati Team Store located at TQL Stadium or their downtown shop.
Check the App: Download the official FC Cincinnati App for mobile tickets, stadium maps, and real-time roster updates.
Weather Check: TQL Stadium is an open-air venue. While the canopy covers most seats, the “pitch” level and front rows can still get wet during a Queen City thunderstorm.
2. The Pre-Match Rituals
The Pub Hub: Start your afternoon at Northern Row Park or The Pitch Cincy. These are the primary gathering spots for the supporters’ groups.
The March to the Match: Roughly 60–90 minutes before kickoff, follow the sound of the drums. The march starts at Northern Row, heads down Central Parkway, and arrives at the stadium in a cloud of orange smoke.
The Grand Staircase: Even if you don’t march, be at the Southeast corner of the stadium to watch the players arrive and the fans ascend the monumental stairs.
3. Inside TQL Stadium
Visit the “Hall of History”: Located on the main concourse, this area showcases the club’s journey from the USL days to their first MLS trophies.
Grab Local Eats: Skip the standard fare and try a Skyline Chili “Cincy Cheese Coney” or a Gomez Salsa turtle.
Find Your Seat Early: If you have tickets in The Bailey, remember it is first-come, first-served standing room. You’ll want to be in place 30 minutes before kickoff to participate in the national anthem and the “Tifo” reveal.
The Best Pubs for FC Cincinnati Soccer Fans
If you can’t get a ticket to the match, or you just want to soak up the atmosphere before heading through the turnstiles, these local spots are the heart of the FC Cincinnati soccer community:
Pub Name
Vibe
Proximity to Stadium
Northern Row
The “Home Base” for the Pride; industrial and spacious.
5-minute walk
The Pitch Cincy
High-energy sports bar directly across from the stadium.
< 1-minute walk
Cobblestone OTR
A cozy, traditional soccer pub feel.
8-minute walk
Old Liberty
Known for hosting “Die Innenstadt” and intense watch parties.
10-minute walk
Deep Dive: Tactical Evolution Under Pat Noonan
A major reason FC Cincinnati soccer has remained a top contender is the tactical discipline instilled by Head Coach Pat Noonan. Since taking the helm, the team has shifted from a defensive-heavy “survival mode” to a sophisticated 3-4-1-2 formation.
The High Press: Cincinnati focuses on winning the ball back quickly in the opponent’s half, utilizing the speed of their wingbacks.
The “Number 10” Role: The entire system is built to provide the creative playmaker (currently the focal point of the midfield) with the freedom to roam and find gaps in the defense.
Verticality: Unlike some teams that prioritize slow possession, FCC is known for “verticality”, moving the ball from defense to attack in as few touches as possible.
To stay updated on the technical side of the game, following analysts on The Athletic’s Soccer Section provides great insight into how Noonan’s tactics stack up against the rest of the league.
The 2025 Campaign: FC Cincinnati’s Season of Ambition
The 2025 season has been a landmark year for FC Cincinnati soccer, marking the club’s 10th year of existence. It was a season defined by consistent excellence in the regular season, high-stakes international competition, and a thrilling, albeit heartbreaking, playoff run that cemented their status as a perennial MLS powerhouse.
2025 Regular Season Summary
Under the steady leadership of Head Coach Pat Noonan and GM Chris Albright, the Orange and Blue remained at the summit of the Eastern Conference for much of the year.
Final Record: 20 wins, 9 losses, 5 draws (65 points).
Conference Finish: 2nd in the Eastern Conference.
Overall Finish: 2nd in the Supporters’ Shield standings, narrowly trailing the Philadelphia Union (66 points).
The 2025 season was also notable for significant roster shifts. Most notably, the club bid a fond farewell to legendary playmaker Luciano Acosta, who moved to FC Dallas in a blockbuster February trade. In his place, the club brought in Brazilian talent Evander from the Portland Timbers and clinical striker Kévin Denkey from Cercle Brugge, ensuring the attack remained lethal.
The “Who’s Who” of FC Cincinnati Rivals
As the club has grown, so too have its animosities. In 2025, the competitive landscape of FC Cincinnati soccer is dominated by three primary adversaries.
1. The Columbus Crew: “Hell Is Real”
The rivalry with Columbus remains the undisputed centerpiece of the season. In 2025, the two teams met a staggering five times.
Regular Season: The teams split the series, including a high-scoring 4-2 victory for the Crew at TQL Stadium in July.
Playoff Thriller: The two met in a “Best-of-3” Round One series in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Cincinnati ultimately took the series 2-1, winning the decisive Game 3 at home with a 2-1 scoreline, exorcising some of the ghosts from previous postseason encounters.
2. Inter Miami CF: The Star-Studded Clash
What began as a lopsided matchup has evolved into a legitimate rivalry. With the presence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, every match against Inter Miami is a global event. In 2025, Cincinnati dominated Miami at home with a 3-0 regular-season win. However, the rivalry took a dark turn in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where Miami avenged their losses with a 4-0 shutout at TQL Stadium, ending Cincinnati’s dream of an MLS Cup.
3. Philadelphia Union: The Tactical Nemesis
In 2025, the Philadelphia Union edged out Cincinnati for the Supporters’ Shield by a single point. The matches between these two are often tactical masterclasses, characterized by heavy pressing and physical play. The Union has become the “measuring stick” for FC Cincinnati soccer, as both clubs utilize similar philosophies of smart scouting and academy development.
2025 Tournament Performance
Beyond the MLS regular season, the club represented the Queen City on the international stage:
CONCACAF Champions Cup: Reached the Round of 16, where they secured a massive 3-1 win over Mexican giants Tigres UANL at home before being eliminated.
Leagues Cup: A challenging group stage saw them face off against Liga MX heavyweights Monterrey and Chivas, though they were unable to replicate their deep 2024 run.
Tournament
Result
Key Moment
MLS Cup Playoffs
Conference Semifinals
Defeating Columbus 2-1 in the Best-of-3 series.
Supporters’ Shield
2nd Place
Finishing with 65 points and 20 wins.
Champions Cup
Round of 16
The 3-1 home victory over Tigres.
What’s Next for the Orange and Blue?
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the focus shifts to the 2026 campaign. With the core of the defense returning and Kévin Denkey settled into the MLS rhythm, the expectations for FC Cincinnati soccer will be nothing short of a trophy.
Building the Future: FC Cincinnati’s 2026 Roster and Academy Outlook
As the front office prepares for the 2026 season, FC Cincinnati soccer is entering a pivotal transition phase. With a mix of seasoned stars and emerging youth talent, the club’s roster strategy has shifted to embrace the 3 Designated Player (DP) / 3 U22 Initiative model. This allows the team to balance high-priced marquee talent with high-upside young players from around the globe and their own backyard.
2026 “First Team” Mock Roster
Following the official roster decisions made in late 2025, the squad is taking shape. While several senior spots remain open, the core of the team is already under contract.
The Core Pillar: Designated Players (DPs)
Miles Robinson (Defender): Recently re-signed to a multi-year deal, Robinson will occupy a DP slot in 2026, anchoring a defense that remains one of the stingiest in the league.
Evander (Midfielder): The creative engine of the team. After a stellar 2025, he remains the focal point of Pat Noonan’s attacking system.
Kévin Denkey (Forward): The Togolese marksman is expected to take another leap in his second full season in Cincinnati.
Projected Starting XI (3-4-1-2)
GK: Roman Celentano
CB: Miles Robinson (DP)
CB: Matt Miazga (Returning from injury)
CB: Teenage Hadebe
RM: Luca Orellano
CM: Obinna Nwobodo
CM: Pavel Bucha
LM: Álvaro Barreal (Pending potential permanent transfer back from loan)
CAM: Evander (DP)
ST: Kévin Denkey (DP)
ST: Ayoub Jabbari (Permanent transfer finalized for 2026)
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the MLS SuperDraft 2026 results. FC Cincinnati recently selected defender Ayoub Lajhar (UConn) with their 25th pick, who could provide crucial depth in the backline.
Academy Prospects: The Next Generation
The FC Cincinnati Academy has become a gold mine for local talent. As the club looks to navigate tight salary cap constraints, “Homegrown” players are more valuable than ever.
1. Stefan Chirila (Forward)
The “crown jewel” of the current academy crop. Chirila has already signed a first-team contract and is expected to see significant minutes as a rotational striker in 2026. His clinical finishing at the MLS NEXT Pro level suggests he is ready for the big stage.
2. Stiven Jimenez (Midfielder)
A teenage sensation who has already seen minutes with the first team. Jimenez is a defensive midfielder with a maturity beyond his years. In 2026, he is projected to be the primary backup for Obinna Nwobodo.
3. Kenji Mboma Dem (Forward)
After a successful loan spell with FC Cincinnati 2, Mboma Dem returns to the first-team roster for 2026. His pace and ability to stretch defenses make him a dangerous “super-sub” option.
4. The “Under-18” Names to Know
If you attend matches at the Mercy Health Training Center, these are the names consistently appearing on the scoresheet:
Ademar Chavez: A creative attacking midfielder with elite vision.
Jack Mize: A high-energy winger who recently moved up to the U18 squad.
Slade Hall: A promising young goalkeeper who many scouts believe is the heir apparent to the backup role.
Why the Academy Matters
By developing local players, FC Cincinnati soccer can bypass some of the league’s complex salary cap rules. Homegrown players do not count against the senior salary budget in the same way as international transfers, allowing the club to spend more on stars like Evander and Robinson.
For real-time updates on academy performance, you can follow the MLS NEXT Pro website, which tracks the development of the FC Cincinnati 2 squad.
Looking Ahead to Preseason
The journey to the 2026 MLS Cup begins in January. The team will gather in Cincinnati for initial fitness tests before heading to Florida for a warm-weather training camp. With 9 open roster spots as of December 2025, expect GM Chris Albright to be active in the free-agent market throughout the winter.
Tactical Breakdown: Integrating the 2026 Homegrown Talent
As FC Cincinnati soccer transitions into the 2026 season, Head Coach Pat Noonan faces the exciting challenge of evolving his proven 3-4-1-2 system to incorporate a “youth surge.” While the tactical identity remains rooted in high-intensity pressing and verticality, the specific profiles of academy graduates like Stefan Chirila and Stiven Jimenezoffer Noonan new “offspeed pitches” to his tactical fastball.
1. Stefan Chirila: The “Instinctive” Striker
Chirila’s rise from a midfielder to a Golden Boot winner in the academy has given him a unique tactical profile. Unlike a traditional “target man,” Chirila operates as a modern Advanced Forward.
The Tactical Fit: In Noonan’s two-striker system, Chirila is the perfect foil for a physical presence like Kévin Denkey. While Denkey occupies center-backs and wins aerial duels, Chirila uses his “midfielder’s brain” to ghost into half-spaces.
The “Noonan” Requirement: To thrive in the first team, Chirila must master the defensive press. Noonan’s system requires the front two to be the first line of defense. Chirila’s high engine, a leftover from his days in the midfield, makes him an ideal candidate for this role.
Stat to Watch: Chirila tallied 9 goals and 5 assists for FCC2 in 2025; his ability to both finish and create makes him a dual-threat sub for the 2026 campaign.
2. Stiven Jimenez: The “Safety Net” Pivot
At just 18, Jimenez has already shown a level of “La Pausa”, the ability to slow the game down and wait for the right pass—that is rare in MLS.
The Tactical Fit: He projects as the direct successor or understudy to Obinna Nwobodo. In the 3-4-1-2, the two central midfielders must cover an immense amount of ground. Jimenez’s background in futsal gives him elite “tight-space” escape ability, allowing Cincinnati to play through high presses rather than just kicking long.
The Evolution: Analysts from Cincinnati Soccer Talk have noted that Noonan is looking to “evolve the defense” in 2026. This might include Jimenez dropping between the center-backs during build-up, effectively creating a 4-man backline to outnumber opposing strikers.
2026 Tactical Depth Chart (Academy Integration)
Position
Primary Starter
Academy/Homegrown Backup
Tactical Role
ST
Kévin Denkey
Stefan Chirila
The “Vertical Finisher”
CAM
Evander
Gerardo “Dado” Valenzuela
The “Creative Hub”
CDM
Obinna Nwobodo
Stiven Jimenez
The “Ball-Winning Pivot”
RWB
Ender Echenique
Kenji Mboma Dem
The “Speed Merchant”
The “U22 Initiative” and Roster Construction
The 2026 season marks the first year FC Cincinnati soccer will fully utilize the new MLS roster rules, which allow for three Designated Players and three U22 Initiative players regardless of their transfer fee.
This is where the academy becomes a competitive advantage. By filling supplemental slots with homegrowns like Jimenez and Chirila, the club saves “General Allocation Money” (GAM) that can be used to buy down the contracts of veteran contributors like Pavel Bucha or Matt Miazga.
Note on Roster Decisions: The club recently exercised 2026 options for Teenage Hadebe and Tah Brian Anunga, ensuring that while the youth provide the spark, the “spine” of the team remains veteran-heavy.
352 Formation To 343/523 Formation #soccer #tactics
Soccer Made Easy · 89K views
Final Outlook: A Golden Era of Development
For the first time in the club’s history, FC Cincinnati soccer doesn’t just have a world-class stadium and a winning first team, it has a sustainable pipeline. The integration of these academy stars into Pat Noonan’s rigid yet rewarding system is the final piece of the puzzle in turning Cincinnati into a “Legacy Club” in Major League Soccer.
To see these tactics in action, check out the latest MLS NEXT Pro highlights to watch the academy stars before they hit the TQL Stadium pitch.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Orange and Blue
As we look toward the 2026 World Cup and beyond, FC Cincinnati soccer is poised to remain at the forefront of the American game. With a world-class training facility in Milford and a front office dedicated to scouting global talent, the club’s trajectory is firmly pointed upward.
How to Get Involved
Attend a Match: Experience the atmosphere at TQL Stadium firsthand.
Join a Supporters Group: Groups like “The Pride” or “Die Innenstadt” offer a community for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
Support the Foundation: Help bring soccer to underprivileged communities by donating or volunteering.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in the USL to lifting the Supporters’ Shield, FC Cincinnati soccer represents the best of what a community can achieve when it rallies behind a common goal. The club has transformed the West End, unified the city, and established a new standard for excellence in Major League Soccer.
Whether you’re there for the atmosphere, the architecture of TQL Stadium, or the thrill of a last-minute goal, one thing is certain: the Orange and Blue are here to stay.
Join the Inner Circle: Get the Ultimate FC Cincinnati Soccer Predictions!
Do you want to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 MLS season? After a thrilling 2025 campaign that saw the Orange and Blue finish just one point shy of the Supporters’ Shield, the stakes have never been higher. Whether it’s the high-octane “Hell is Real” derby or the club’s quest for continental glory in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, you need the sharpest insights to navigate the season.
By subscribing to our exclusive FC Cincinnati Soccer Insiders newsletter, you will unlock:
Expert Match Predictions: Data-driven score forecasts for every single game, from the season opener against Atlanta United to the pivotal Decision Day clash.
Tactical “Deep Dives”: Breaking down how academy graduates like Stefan Chirila and Stiven Jimenez are impacting Pat Noonan’s formation in real-time.
Injury & Roster Alerts: Be the first to know about player fitness and the latest transfer window moves from GM Chris Albright.
Betting & Fantasy Tips: Proven strategies for MLS Fantasy and the best value odds from across the league.
Don’t leave your matchday knowledge to chance. Join thousands of other Queen City fans and get the edge you need to truly master the world of fc cincinnati soccer.
Comments 1