Share This Article
FC Cincinnati is no longer the scrappy underdog of Major League Soccer. With bold signings, record-breaking transfers, and a roster brimming with international talent, the Queen City’s club is built for one thing this fall: winning a championship.
As of early September, Cincinnati sits at 52 points, holding steady at second place in the Eastern Conference—just five points behind Philadelphia Union. The remaining five games will determine not just playoff seeding, but whether Cincinnati can secure home-field advantage or even make a late run at the Supporters’ Shield.
A Front Line Rebuilt: Denkey, Navarro, and the Return of Brenner
The big story this season? FC Cincinnati is spending like a champion.
In 2025, the club smashed the MLS incoming transfer record, paying $16.3 million to bring in Kévin Denkey from Belgium’s Cercle Brugge—eclipsing the previous $16 million mark set by Atlanta United for Thiago Almada in 2022.
But Denkey wasn’t the only headline. Cincinnati also made waves by:
-
Re-signing Brenner on loan from Udinese, bringing back a familiar fan favorite who once scored 27 goals in orange and blue
-
Shipping out former MVP Lucho Acosta to FC Dallas for over $5 million in allocation money, clearing a Designated Player slot and creating financial flexibility
Between Denkey’s power and Brenner’s chemistry with the club, FC Cincinnati enters the postseason with a dangerous, well-balanced attack—one that may not have the flashiest names in MLS but has proven it can grind out results.
Power Rankings: A Slight Dip, But the Ceiling Remains High
Despite a strong run of form, FC Cincinnati slipped one spot to fifth in ESPN’s latest MLS Power Rankings.
The reason? Growing pains.
“The chemistry is still forming between the returning Brenner and newcomer Navarro, but the ceiling here is very high.” — ESPN
With the attack still gelling and international call-ups looming, consistency will be key in the final stretch.
What This Means During the September International Window
With four key players away on international duty—Kévin Denkey (Togo), Álvaro Barreal (Argentina U23), Obinna Nwobodo (Nigeria), and Ian Murphy (USA U23)—FC Cincinnati will be tested during a crucial September stretch that includes
- vs. Nashville SC (Sept 13, Home)
- at LA Galaxy (Sept 20, Away)
These two matches could have major playoff implications. Nashville is tight in the standings with Cincinnati, while the LA Galaxy match on the West Coast poses both a time-zone challenge and a travel burden during a shorthanded week.
Bench depth, tactical adjustments, and leadership from veterans like Brenner and Matt Miazga will be essential if FC Cincinnati hopes to stay in the race for the top seed.
FC Cincinnati Roster Moves: Making Room and Gaining Flexibility
Cincinnati continues to fine-tune its squad:
- Sergio Santos was waived and claimed by Houston Dynamo
- DeAndre Yedlin was traded to Real Salt Lake for General Allocation Money
- The club earned additional GAM from Vancouver Whitecaps after Thomas Müller signed there—Cincinnati had held his discovery rights
Every move adds flexibility or financial resources heading into the postseason.
TQL Stadium: Still One of MLS’s Best
In a recent FourFourTwo ranking, TQL Stadium was once again listed among the top MLS venues—praised for its fan atmosphere, immersive design, and electric matchday experience. With multiple home matches ahead, that home-field edge could make the difference in tight playoff contests.
Remaining FC Cincinnati Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Sept 13 | Nashville SC | Home (TQL) | 7:30 PM |
| Fri, Sept 20 | LA Galaxy | Away (LA) | 10:30 PM |
| Sat, Sept 28 | Orlando City SC | Home (TQL) | 7:00 PM |
| Sat, Oct 4 | NY Red Bulls | Away (NY) | 7:30 PM |
| Sat, Oct 18 | CF Montréal | Home (TQL) | 6:00 PM |
The final game of the regular season comes at home vs. CF Montréal on October 18—a match that could solidify playoff positioning or serve as a playoff tune-up in front of a sold-out crowd.
Final Word: Built Different
From the record-breaking Denkey deal to the return of Brenner, FC Cincinnati isn’t just playing to make the playoffs—they’re playing to win MLS Cup.
If the chemistry clicks and the depth holds, don’t be surprised if Cincinnati is lifting a trophy at TQL this fall.
Related Articles on The Cincinnati Exchange
-
Reds Get Healthy at the Right Time as Trade Acquisitions Bolster Playoff Push
-
Offensive Sparks, but Defensive Transition Looms Large After Bengals Preseason Loss to Eagles
