Most expansion teams struggle in Major League Soccer, but FC Cincinnati struggled more than most. Three successive ‘wooden spoons’ – unofficially awarded to the team that finishes bottom of the league each season – were illustrative of a franchise that took a while to get on its feet. In 2023, though, Cincy broke into a sprint.
By Graham Ruthven, MLS Expert
Pat Noonan’s team dominated the regular season, winning the Supporters’ Shield by a comfortable margin of six points. Had it not been for a late collapse from 2-0 up against the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference final, FC Cincinnati would have reached the MLS Cup final too. They were in contention for a Shield and Cup double.
Some fans argue Cincy’s 2023 campaign was ultimately a disappointment. If MLS Cup is the league’s biggest prize, Noonan and his players were made to rue not clinching it when the opportunity was clearly there for them to do so. The pain was exacerbated by rivals Columbus winning MLS Cup instead.
Most, however, expect Cincy to be contenders again next season such is the strength of the foundations put in place by Noonan. In a league increasingly defined by distinctive ideologies – like the high-risk approach used by Wilfried Nancy at Columbus – FC Cincinnati’s greatest strength is their ability to adapt. That gives them a chance in most matches they play.
Noonan toggles between setting up his team to play with the ball and against it. This is clear in the possession numbers recorded by Cincy this season with their average share of the ball varying wildly from one match to the next. FC Cincinnati can be expansive and attack-minded, but also know how to stay compact and restrict opponents.
Many of Noonan’s ideas can be likened to those of Jim Curtin, who he served under as an assistant manager at the Philadelphia Union. General Manager Chris Albright also worked at Subaru Park, so it’s unsurprising that there is so much overlap between FC Cincinnati and the Union in terms of playing style and general ethos.
Lucho Acosta flourished as Cincy’s primary attacking difference-maker in 2023, winning the MLS MVP award with a record of 18 goals and 12 assists over the regular season and play-offs. His talent had been clear since his time at DC United, but Noonan built around him to get the best out of the Argentine. Acosta is Cincy’s attacking hub.
“Lucho is a pain in the ass,” said Noonan, describing Acosta’s importance to FC Cincinnati. “But he’s a good pain in the ass. He’s so talented, and he does have freedoms that some of his teammates don’t. But it’s because of what he’s capable of doing with those freedoms that helps us win games.”
Álvaro Barreal is another creative force with the left wing back statistically MLS’s most dangerous passing threat from dead-ball situations. Brandon Vazquez suffered a drop-off in his goalscoring numbers from 2022 (when he netted 19 times in the regular season) to 2023 (when he scored just eight), but the USA international is still a highly effective focal point up front.
Summer signing Aaron Boupendza offered another dimension in the final third after the loss of Brenner to Udinese. Then there’s the midfield pairing of Obinna Nwobodo and Junior Moreno, who give Cincy presence and physicality in the centre of the pitch, and defensive leaders Yerson Mosquera and Matt Miazga at the back.
Shrewd recruitment and good coaching has been at the core of Cincy’s dramatic improvement from their first three seasons in MLS to now. Even when results were poor, the club – and its fans – could see what Noonan was trying to achieve. The lack of relegation in MLS allowed FC Cincinnati to build something over a number of years.
Cincy’s fans also deserve credit for their role in the team’s turnaround. They made TQL Stadium the most difficult venue for away teams to visit in 2023 – FC Cincinnati suffered just two regular season defeats at home. The city has cultivated an authentic football culture and that passion energises all areas of the club.
Until there are orange and blue ribbons hanging from the MLS Cup trophy, however, FC Cincinnati will still feel they have something left to prove. One last thing to achieve. The way they have improved season-on-season, it would be foolish to doubt the capacity of Noonan and his players to get even better.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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