Share This Article
As the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season unfolds, FC Cincinnati is looking to build on last year’s success with a mix of strategic player acquisitions, tactical evolution, and heightened ambitions. Under the leadership of General Manager Chris Albright and Head Coach Pat Noonan, the team is aiming to solidify its place among the league’s top contenders.
Notable Offseason Acquisitions
FC Cincinnati’s offseason was marked by key signings, bolstering its squad for both MLS play and Concacaf Champions Cup competition. These additions address defensive stability, midfield depth, and attacking firepower:
- Gilberto Flores – A 21-year-old Paraguayan center back signed from Club Libertad Asunción. Flores brings strong tackling, aerial dominance, and a commanding presence to the backline.
- Brad Smith – An Australian international left-back, Smith adds versatility, speed, and MLS experience, giving the team more options in defense and attack.
- Tah Brian Anunga – A defensive midfielder signed to help control possession, break up opposition play, and provide an additional layer of protection for the backline.
- Kévin Denkey – A Togolese forward who has already made an impact with early goals in league play and the Champions Cup. His speed, movement, and finishing ability make him a major asset in the final third.
Season Kickoff and Early Performances
FC Cincinnati opened its MLS season with a home match against the New York Red Bulls on February 22, following a dominant 4-1 victory over FC Motagua in Honduras in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The team’s early success suggests that the new signings are integrating well into Noonan’s tactical system.
The team then hit the road for a tough test against the Philadelphia Union, a matchup that could serve as an early-season indicator of how FC Cincinnati stacks up against Eastern Conference rivals. With an expanded roster and strong preseason performances, expectations are high that Cincinnati can replicate last season’s away success—one of the best in club history.
Tactical Outlook and Expectations
With the integration of new talent, FC Cincinnati is expected to embrace a more dynamic and adaptable playing style:
- Defensive Reinforcement: Flores and Smith provide stability in defense, which was one of the biggest concerns last season despite the team’s strong overall performance.
- Midfield Control: Anunga’s presence in midfield will help strengthen possession-based play and improve defensive coverage, complementing Luciano Acosta’s attacking creativity.
- Attacking Firepower: With Denkey already making an impact, the partnership between him, Acosta, and Brandon Vazquez will be crucial in breaking down defenses.
- Squad Depth: With Concacaf Champions Cup, U.S. Open Cup, and MLS all on the schedule, squad rotation will be critical in keeping players fresh throughout a long season.
Noonan’s tactical flexibility—seen in his ability to switch between a high-pressing 4-3-3 and a more compact 3-5-2—will be key to keeping FC Cincinnati unpredictable and competitive against elite opposition.
Fan Excitement and Community Engagement
The anticipation for FC Cincinnati’s 2025 season is higher than ever. The club’s aggressive transfer strategy and continued investment in youth and international talent have generated buzz among supporters, leading to strong ticket sales and increased community engagement.
The atmosphere at TQL Stadium remains one of the best in MLS, with The Bailey (the club’s passionate supporters’ section) ensuring that FC Cincinnati has one of the strongest home-field advantages in the league.
Off the field, the club continues to engage the Cincinnati community through local outreach programs, youth soccer initiatives, and partnerships with businesses and charities. The organization’s long-term vision is not just about winning trophies but also about solidifying soccer’s place in Cincinnati culture.
Looking Ahead
With a well-structured squad, smart signings, and a tactical system that maximizes the team’s strengths, FC Cincinnati is well-positioned for success in 2025. However, challenges remain:
- Can the new defensive additions provide the stability needed to make a deep playoff run?
- Will Denkey continue his goal-scoring form in MLS play?
- Can the squad balance multiple competitions without fatigue becoming an issue?
As the season progresses, FC Cincinnati will need to stay consistent, adapt to challenges, and maintain momentum if they hope to compete for silverware. The 2025 season could be the year that FC Cincinnati cements itself as one of the elite teams in Major League Soccer. Fans, players, and staff alike will be watching closely to see if this team can take the next step toward lifting a trophy.
