FC Cincinnati Overview
Football Club Cincinnati, commonly known as FC Cincinnati, is a professional American soccer club based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference, having joined the league in 2019 after a successful stint in the United Soccer League (USL). The team is led by majority owner and CEO Carl Lindner III, with Jeff Berding serving as co-CEO and Chris Albright acting as general manager. Pat Noonan is the current head coach of the club.
FC Cincinnati’s identity is defined by its orange and blue color scheme, reflected in the popular nickname “The Orange and Blue.” The club’s crest features a winged lion inspired by the Lion of Saint Mark, and supporters have affectionately named the mascot “Gary the Knifey Lion.” The team plays its home matches at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood and has cultivated a passionate supporter culture, including a pre-match march tradition and multiple recognized supporters’ groups.
Founding and Organizational Origins
FC Cincinnati was officially announced on August 12, 2015, as a USL franchise. The club’s creation was led by the Lindner family, with Carl Lindner III representing the ownership group at the press conference. Former Cincinnati Bengals executive Jeff Berding was named as part of the ownership group and took on the role of president and general manager. The Lindner family, owners of American Financial Group, provided the financial foundation for the club, with other early investors including Scott Farmer, David L. Thompson, Steve Hightower, George Joseph, Mike Mossel, and Jack Wyant.
The club’s early operational structure included a partnership with the Dayton Dutch Lions, which provided the original orange and blue color scheme and crest design. John Harkes was named as the club’s first head coach, and the team set up shop at Nippert Stadium on the University of Cincinnati campus. FC Cincinnati’s initial goals centered on building a strong supporter base and establishing a foothold in the American soccer landscape through competitive play and community engagement.
Growth Into Major League Soccer Competition
FC Cincinnati’s move toward MLS began in early 2016, when club owners initiated expansion discussions with the league. The club’s growing attendance figures and vibrant supporter culture caught the attention of MLS officials, including Commissioner Don Garber, who visited Cincinnati in December 2016. FC Cincinnati formally submitted its expansion bid in January 2017, including a shortlist of potential stadium locations.
On May 29, 2018, Major League Soccer announced that FC Cincinnati would join the league in 2019 as an expansion team. The club signed its first two MLS players, Fanendo Adi and Fatai Alashe, in July 2018, with Adi becoming the team’s first Designated Player. In the 2018 MLS expansion draft, FC Cincinnati selected five players, including Kei Kamara, Roland Lamah, and Darren Mattocks. The club’s selection for the inaugural MLS season marked a significant step in its competitive growth, bolstered by the construction of a soccer-specific stadium and the development of a dedicated training facility in Milford, Ohio.
FC Cincinnati Competitive Journey
FC Cincinnati’s competitive journey spans multiple leagues and eras, beginning with three seasons in the USL from 2016 to 2018, followed by entry into Major League Soccer in 2019. The club experienced early struggles in MLS but achieved significant milestones, including its first playoff appearance in 2022 and the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2023. Throughout its history, FC Cincinnati has set multiple attendance records and developed key rivalries with teams such as Louisville City FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and Columbus Crew.
Early Seasons and Development (2016–2018)
FC Cincinnati’s inaugural 2016 USL season was marked by record-breaking attendance figures. On April 16, 2016, the club set a USL attendance record with 20,497 fans for a match against Louisville City FC, later breaking its own record multiple times throughout the season. The club’s first playoff match on October 2, 2016, drew 30,187 fans, setting a new USL playoff and single-game attendance record. During this period, FC Cincinnati developed key rivalries with Louisville City FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds, with matches often serving as catalysts for record crowds.
The 2017 and 2018 seasons saw continued growth, both on and off the field. In 2017, FC Cincinnati advanced to the U.S. Open Cup semi-finals, losing to the New York Red Bulls in front of a sold-out crowd. The club’s final USL season in 2018 culminated in the USL Regular Season Championship, clinched on September 29, 2018, after a 3-0 win over rival Indy Eleven. This success, combined with sustained high attendance, paved the way for the club’s transition to Major League Soccer.
Breakthrough in MLS (2019–2022)
FC Cincinnati’s early MLS years were challenging. The club fired head coach Alan Koch in May 2019 after a poor start, with Yoann Damet serving as interim coach before Ron Jans was hired. Jans resigned in February 2020 amid controversy, and the club faced further coaching changes with Jaap Stam’s dismissal in September 2021. On October 4, 2021, Chris Albright was hired as general manager, and on December 14, 2021, Pat Noonan was named head coach. This leadership change marked a turning point for the club.
Under the Albright-Noonan regime, FC Cincinnati qualified for its first MLS Cup Playoffs in 2022, finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference with 49 points. The team’s attacking trio of Brenner, Brandon Vázquez, and Luciano Acosta proved formidable, with Brenner and Vázquez tying for the team lead with 18 goals each. FC Cincinnati defeated the New York Red Bulls in its first playoff match before falling to the Philadelphia Union in the conference semifinals.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2023–Present)
The 2023 season represented the pinnacle of FC Cincinnati’s early MLS history. The club tied the MLS record for consecutive home wins in a single season and reached the U.S. Open Cup semi-finals for the first time since joining MLS. FC Cincinnati clinched a playoff berth on August 30, 2023, and on September 30, 2023, won the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC. Luciano Acosta was named 2023 MLS Most Valuable Player, becoming the club’s first league MVP in the MLS era.
In 2024, FC Cincinnati competed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time, advancing past Cavalier FC before falling to CF Monterrey. The club finished third in the Eastern Conference and reached the MLS Cup Playoffs, where it was eliminated by New York City FC in a penalty shootout. Looking ahead to 2025, FC Cincinnati remains focused on contending for the MLS Cup under the leadership of Pat Noonan and Chris Albright, with continued investment in player development and infrastructure.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
FC Cincinnati’s competitive identity is built on attacking flair, tactical discipline, and a strong home-field advantage at TQL Stadium. The club’s philosophy emphasizes high-pressing play, creative midfield combinations, and clinical finishing, as demonstrated by the success of players like Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vázquez. The team’s ability to draw large crowds and create a vibrant atmosphere at home has been a defining strength throughout its history.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
FC Cincinnati’s most significant milestones include winning the 2018 USL Regular Season Championship, the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield, and setting multiple USL attendance records. The club’s first MLS playoff victory in 2022 and its appearance in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals marked historic moments. The rivalry with Columbus Crew, dubbed the “Hell Is Real Derby,” and the passionate supporter culture, including the pre-match march and The Bailey supporters’ section, remain central to the club’s identity.
FC Cincinnati Achievements and Results
FC Cincinnati has achieved notable success in a relatively short history, including two major trophies and multiple playoff appearances. The club’s achievements reflect its rapid growth from a USL expansion team to a competitive MLS franchise, with a focus on building a sustainable winner.
MLS Achievements
FC Cincinnati’s primary MLS achievement is the 2023 Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record across both conferences. The club’s 2022 playoff appearance and 2023 run to the Eastern Conference Finals further solidified its status as a rising competitor. In 2024, FC Cincinnati qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs and competed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, showcasing its growing presence in North American soccer.
Conference Achievements
FC Cincinnati’s conference achievements are highlighted by its 2023 run to the Eastern Conference Finals, where it faced rival Columbus Crew. The club has consistently finished in the top half of the Eastern Conference since 2022, reflecting its competitive progress under head coach Pat Noonan.
Divisional Achievements
FC Cincinnati competes in the MLS Eastern Conference and has achieved divisional success through its consistent playoff qualifications and strong regular-season performances. The club’s 2023 Supporters’ Shield win underscored its dominance within the conference.
Series Achievements
FC Cincinnati’s series achievements include its 2018 USL Regular Season Championship and multiple deep runs in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The club’s success in these competitions has helped establish its reputation as a competitive force in American soccer.