Sports stats

MLS FC Cincinnati

Reinforcements Arrive, Allowing FC Cincinnati Opportunity to Reflect on Successes in Challenging Stretch of Play

July 15, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release


In 22 MLS games this season, FC Cincinnati has used 20 unique lineups on their way to the top of the table. In more recent days the Orange and Blue have been without as many as five regular starters at one time due to any combination of international duty, injury, and arrival to the club after the transfer window opened.

Now the majority of those problems have been alleviated. Reinforcements are on the way. Matt Miazga and Brandon Vazquez have returned to the club after a five game absence with the United States Men's National Team, Junior Moreno and Yerson Mosquera returned to club from their respective national teams and have now returned to action after injuries and paperwork concerns held them out briefly, and Aaron Boupendza is now with the club and training after the opening of the transfer window.

The absence of key players has been an opportunity to reflect on who has stepped up in the weeks without them.

Since losing players at the start of the international window on June 11, FCC recorded a 2-1-2 record and made their lead in the Supporters' Shield table. Four FC Cincinnati 2 players were called up to the first team and made their MLS debuts. Contributions have come from everywhere in the lineup, with five different players contributing goals.

"That speaks to the depth and ability of guys stepping up in absences of some key players," FCC head coach Pat Noonan said of the time without his stars, "from the individual performances of certain players stepping into the fact that we've been able to maintain our position on the table. I think that's a testament to the players...we have players that have been ready week in and week out."

While certain players have had breakout performances, like Dominique Badji, who scored three times in that period of time to help buoy the offense, what has impressed Noonan most is the team's ability to play together and get results regardless of the situation.

"The guys have done an excellent job leading into this Leagues Cup period, to maintain our position in the table and continue to perform...that's not easy."

Malik Pinto is another one of the younger players to get an opportunity to prove themselves of late. The start against New York Red Bulls was his second of the season but with 16 substitutions this season he is the most used sub in MLS this season.

Pinto, a graduate of the FC Cincinnati Academy, feels the team performance can be accredited to the comradery in the locker room.

"It just shows the character of the group," Pinto said Thursday from Mercy Health Training Center, "from top to bottom all over the roster. I think we've got guys with great character, and I think that's, you know, been building since preseason.

Now with players returning and being available for selection on matchday, Noonan will have more choices to make in terms of who he needs, why he needs them, and when he needs them most; meaning it will be on the players to be ready and available when called upon.

"We get a few more bodies back and now we just increase our depth and our options," Noonan said, "that's going to improve the competition in training, so that's a good thing for us."

Availability report

With the loss to Panama in penalty kicks Sunday night, USMNT players Miazga and Vazquez traveled back to Cincinnati from San Diego Thursday and trained with the team Friday. Thursday Noonan indicated that both would be available for selection and could find themselves in Saturday's game with Nashville.

Aaron Boupendza, FCC's newest DP striker, arrived at the club's training center on Monday and has trained with the club all week. Wednesday was Boupendza's first day off for him to "get his legs back" and recover from his travel to Cincinnati, but Noonan indicated he was pleased with how Boupendza rebounded following the rest day. It is less clear if the Gabon native will be available for Saturday's match but Noonan praised his intensity and quality in training, highlighting his ability to go for goal and work in small spaces. Fatigue setting in and where the striker is at physically remain to be biggest concerns Noonan is accounting for.

Yuya Kubo is "day-to-day" per Noonan, the midfielder is struggling with a hamstring injury but has progressed well according to the head coach, saying he is "hopeful for Saturday."

Dominique Badji will not be available on Saturday as he continues to recover from a quadriceps injury. His timeline for return is still not clear.

Check out the FC Cincinnati Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from July 15, 2023


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



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central