FC Cincinnati Loan 2024 MLS SuperDraft Selection Brian Schaefer to Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on January 22, 2026 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release
CINCINNATI - FC Cincinnati have loaned defender Brian Schaefer to the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship for the duration of the 2026 season, the club announced today. In a corresponding prior move, the Orange and Blue signed Schaefer to a first-team contract through the 2026 season, with options through the 2027-28 MLS season.
After being selected by the club with the 27th overall pick in MLS SuperDraft 2024, Schaefer signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with FC Cincinnati 2 prior to the start of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season. Schaefer spent all of 2024 and part of the 2025 season with FCC 2, before a loan stint with Indy Eleven.
Schaefer made 48 appearances - 47 starts - in MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season competition with FC Cincinnati 2. Schaefer anchored a backline that was one of the league's best in 2024, allowing just 34 goals in 28 matches. Schaefer also contributed in the attacking third, scoring five goals and adding two assists over two seasons.
TRANSACTION: On January 22, 2026, FC Cincinnati sign Brian Schaefer to a contract for the 2026 season, with options through the 2027-28 MLS season, and loan Schaefer to the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship through the 2026 season.
Major League Soccer Stories from January 22, 2026
- Sounders FC Announces Updated European Schedule and Roster for 2026 Preseason - Seattle Sounders FC
- Inter&Co Stadium Announces Upgrades Ahead of 2026 MLS & NWSL Seasons - Orlando City SC
- Everything You Need to Know About the Concacaf Champions Cup - San Diego FC
- Earthquakes' Kaedren Spivey Called to U.S. U-17 Men's National Team for 2026 Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers - San Jose Earthquakes
- Staffing Updates Part of Refresh to Not Only the First Team, But Mission for Organizational Improvement Overall - FC Cincinnati
- Whitecaps FC Single Match Tickets on Sale Now for the First Half of the 2026 Season - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Philadelphia Union Loan Defender Neil Pierre to Lyngby Boldklub - Philadelphia Union
- Recipients Announced for Home Field Heroes Program - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Obed Vargas Set for National Team Duty Ahead of January Friendlies - Seattle Sounders FC
- FC Cincinnati Loan 2024 MLS SuperDraft Selection Brian Schaefer to Tampa Bay Rowdies - FC Cincinnati
- San Diego FC Re-Sign Defender Luca Bombino to a Contract Extension - San Diego FC
- Colorado Rapids Sign Goalkeeper Nico Hansen to New Contract - Colorado Rapids
- FC Dallas Loans Midfielder Enes Sali to Al-Riyadh SC - FC Dallas
- Inter Miami CF Signs Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo on a Permanent Transfer - Inter Miami CF
- New York City FC Announce Visit Tampa Bay as an Official Tourism Partner - New York City FC
- Major League Soccer Announces Updated 2026 Transfer Window Dates - MLS
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent FC Cincinnati Stories
- Staffing Updates Part of Refresh to Not Only the First Team, But Mission for Organizational Improvement Overall
- FC Cincinnati Loan 2024 MLS SuperDraft Selection Brian Schaefer to Tampa Bay Rowdies
- First Weeks of Preseason Training Open 2026 with Refreshed Ideas and in a Strong Way
- FC Cincinnati Announce Roster for 2026 Preseason
- Kickoff Times Confirmed for FC Cincinnati Matches at Toronto FC (April 11), vs Philadelphia Union (October 31)
