FC Cincinnati 2 defender Félix Samson recorded his first career MLS NEXT Pro goal Sunday night at Scudamore Field. However, the effort was not enough as The Orange and Blue fell to Chattanooga FC 3-1. With the loss, FCC 2’s impressive three-game home win streak came to an end, as they closed out a tough three-game in a week stretch.
In his sixth career start for FCC 2, Sampson, 18, helped FCC 2 avoid the shutout and gave Head Coach Sammy Castellanos a bright spot to build from, even in a loss.
“When you look at this, we have to put the results to the side and really focus on those small wins and building blocks,” Castellanos said in preparation for the rest of the season. “We outplayed them in the second half, so I got to use that as kind of like our building blocks to push on.”
Samson, who was acquired on loan from CF Montréal prior to the start of the 2026 campaign, has been highly regarded by his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and professionalism on and off the pitch.
“He's been huge. He has a really good mindset, is a professional in and around the building, so I think he's coming along really well,” said Castellanos regarding Samson’s development. “I think allowing him to get minutes is just putting his stock up, so I'm really proud of what he's shown.”
Samson, who initially signed with CF Montréal as a homegrown player, made the 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game, and earned a roster spot on Canada’s U-20 team on Jan. 6—his second time representing his home country, after appearing in two friendlies for the Canadian U-18 National Team in Sept. of 2025.
Forward Deiver Mosquera, younger brother of former FC Cincinnati defender and Supporters’ Shield champion Yerson Mosquera, was also able to make his first MLS NEXT Pro start for FCC 2 this season, along with forward Cheikhou Niang, who made his way back onto the pitch after missing three matches due to injury.
17-year-old midfielder Ademar Chávez was unable to get going in the first half, but turned it on in the second, just missing multiple chances on goal, including a difficult left foot shot from beyond the box that just rose over the crossbar.
Although Chavez was unable to add to the scoresheet and secure his first goal of the season, the mental resilience he showed during a long, difficult three-game stretch proved to be more valuable than any goal for a player like Chavez, who is figuring things out in the early stages of his career.
“We were able to get Cheikhou (Niang) and (Deiver) Mosquera on the field tonight, and you can see some of that electricity,” Castellanos said. “I was proud of Ademar (Chavez) as well, getting through these three games as we're pushing that young man, that young homegrown player to get him ready to take that next step in his career.”
Outside of Chavez, this three-game stretch has opened many players’ eyes, allowing them to visualize what it’s like to play for the first team. Although many players are at different points in their respective careers, their goals remain the same—to play for the first team.
“They (FC Cincinnati) just went through a three-game week as well, so it kind of mimics what it would look like as a first team,” said Castellanos regarding their schedule. “So, the mental resilience that the guysshowed, I'm glad that they got through this.”
Looking ahead, FCC 2 will make the trek up to the big apple this Saturday, facing off against NYCFC II, who they beat on April 13 in a 1-0 affair.
With the first team taking on Orlando City SC at home as, Head Coach Sammy Castellanos will continue to look for his young players to make a difference as some first team contributors may be unavailable.
