By Jack Aisthorpe, Guest Writer

FC Cincinnati (FCC) has just reached the quarter way mark of the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season and has already created a significant push within the Eastern Conference. They are currently sitting in fifth place in the standings with a record of 3-3-2. Despite being projected to be the second best in all of MLS at the beginning of the year, FCC has had questions as to whether they can stay within the running for consecutive Supporters’ Shield or a potential run for the MLS Cup. 

FCC has seen a drastic change in roster from last season. At the end of last season, the team lost five key starters: Brandon Vazquez, Santiago Arias, Junior Moreno, Alvaro Barreal and Yerson Mosquera. FCC acquired Miles Robinson and DeAndre Yedlin as viable replacements who have been two of the starting 11 up to this point in the season. 

Cincinnati went on a hot start this season, going undefeated in their first six games, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup games. In particular, FCC’s defense has been outstanding during the early stretch as they had only allowed three goals within those games. On the opposite side of the field however, they have struggled putting the ball into the back of the net, scoring only six goals during that same stretch. 

The last two games for FCC have been more of a struggle for the club as they dropped both of the games. Before this season, the last time Cincinnati lost two consecutive games was in May 2022. The absence of designated striker Brandon Vazquez and inconsistencies in creating chances to score has completely changed the team’s success rates. FCC struggles both defensively and offensively in games, falling short in advancing the ball up the field and taking quality shots. Not being able to have long term possession on the other side of the field has created constant pressure for the backline as they failed to defend against four goals within the two game stretch. 

Though FCC is now in the hot seat, the future is bright for the club. It is still early in the season, and there is time for adjustments. In a postgame interview with FCC head coach Pat Noonan, he describes the situation as “correctable.” Whether this correction comes through a change in formation, starting 11 or a potential signing, this team needs to make these changes immediately  so they can play a style that fits their new roster.

The next few games will be the telltale signs, showing how the rest of the season will play out for Cincinnati. FCC’s next game is on the road against a currently weakened and injured Atlanta United team (3-3-1). The time to make a significant change could be now in order to gain some momentum and move towards a positive trajectory for the rest of the season.