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MLS FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati Sign Captain Luciano Acosta to Long-Term Contract Extension

September 22, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release


FC Cincinnati and midfielder Luciano Acosta have agreed on a contract extension through 2026, with an option for 2027, the club announced today. The Orange and Blue's captain is FC Cincinnati's all-time leader in both goals and assists in Major League Soccer competition.

"Lucho is a tremendously important player for our team and our club," said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. "He's clearly one of the best players in our league, capable of producing the spectacular moments that win you games. His winning mentality, along with his continued growth as a leader and a captain, have allowed Lucho to become the best version of himself. It's apparent how connected he feels to our city and community, and we're proud to have Lucho representing FC Cincinnati."Acosta, 29, was acquired by FC Cincinnati as a Designated Player in March of 2021. Since then, he has appeared in 101 matches across all competitions for the Orange and Blue. Since the beginning of the 2021 season, his 71 regular season goal contributions (31 goals, 40 assists) rank second in the league.

In 2023, Acosta leads MLS with 25 goal contributions in 27 appearances. He is tied for second in the Golden Boot race (14) and one season after leading the league in assists, his 11 assists this year are tied for fourth in MLS.

Acosta's MVP-caliber season has also seen the Argentine twice earn MLS Player of the Month honors, in August and September, to become the first player since 2019 (Josef Martínez) to win the award in consecutive months. The midfielder has also been recognized on the MLS Team of the Matchday on 10 separate occasions.

"This club is very special, it's my family," said Acosta. "Every time I go out on the field, I give my life for this city, for these fans, for these colors, for this club. That is what makes it so special for me, because they are my family. I hope to win many things with this team, with this city, and give back the joy that the fans give us all the time, every weekend, every day and return that love with a title."

In July, Acosta was named captain of the 2023 MLS All-Star Team, earning the nod after beating out three other finalists in the first-ever MLS All-Star Captain Fan Vote. Acosta earned a spot on the MLS All-Star Team in consecutive years - in 2022, he was named the first MLS All-Star in club history. Last season, Acosta additionally was named to the MLS Best XI.

In addition to his standout statistics and accomplishments, the midfielder has been a leader with the Orange and Blue. Acosta has captained the Orange and Blue a club-record 90 times. The Argentine has worn the captain's armband in more than half of the 169 all-time matches for FC Cincinnati across all competitions since joining MLS in 2019.

Acosta and FC Cincinnati return to TQL Stadium this Saturday, September 23 to host Charlotte FC. The club will celebrate Noche Latina, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Limited tickets are still available at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets or by calling (513) 977-5425 (KICK).

TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati sign Luciano Acosta to a contract extension through 2026, with an option for 2027 on Sept. 22, 2023.

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