Faithful fans of the Orange and Blue have longed to hear it: For the first time in club history, FC Cincinnati have clinched a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
FC Cincinnati officially clinched a spot in the postseason Sunday afternoon as a result of a 5-2 win over D.C. United. For more information about FC Cincinnati’s spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, visit FC Cincinnati’s Playoff Central presented by Mercy Health.
Since his hiring on Dec. 14, 2021, Head Coach Pat Noonan has brought his track record of winning directly to FC Cincinnati. Noonan, in his 19 seasons in Major League Soccer either as a player or a coach, has guided his club to a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 18 of those seasons.
The attacking triad of Luciano Acosta, Brandon Vazquez and Brenner has become one of the league’s most feared trios. The three each have contributed to 20+ goals, making Cincinnati the only club in the league to have three players contribute to 20+ goals by either scoring or tallying an assist. Acosta’s 18 assists top MLS in his MVP-caliber campaign.
First-year General Manager Chris Albright’s additions of Junior Moreno and Designated Player Obinna Nwobodo have solidified the midfield behind FCC’s attacking three. Albright added defender Matt Miazga midseason which bolstered the Orange and Blue and provided immediate leadership on FC Cincinnati’s backline.
The Orange and Blue’s backline has been managed by a resurgent season for Cincinnati’s hometown hero Nick Hagglund, the only FC Cincinnati player to have started in every MLS win this year for the Orange and Blue. Veterans and promising young players alike have shined in Noonan’s wing back and three-center back system, including Álvaro Barreal and Alvas Powell, Ray Gaddis and John Nelson, Ian Murphy and Geoff Cameron.
And of course FC Cincinnati’s rookie goalkeeper Roman Celentano has been a shining star in the making. The Orange and Blue’s top selection in January’s MLS SuperDraft has already set club single-season records in wins, clean sheets, and saves.
The season continues, Cincinnati. For more information about FC Cincinnati’s spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, visit FC Cincinnati’s Playoff Central presented by Mercy Health.
