Fewer opponents mean more to FC Cincinnati than playing the New York Red Bulls.
During the USL days, FCC and Red Bulls II produced thrilling matches with goals, drama and significant implications.
In 2016, there was a VAR decision that saw goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt sent off. In 2017, RBII made a joke about FCC after pummeling the Orange and Blue 4-0 that was later displayed in FC Cincinnati’s locker room for the rematch. Cincinnati proceeded to win 4-2. Last year, Hassan Ndam and the “Baby Bulls” ended FCC’s storybook season with a smash-and-grab goal in the USL Eastern Conference semifinals.
But all of those moments and memories are dwarfed by the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal matchup at Nippert Stadium. Before a national audience, Cincinnati took a two-goal lead that eventually dissipated into a 3-2 extra-time defeat.
After the match, the Red Bulls players and coaching staff applauded The Bailey. The traveling supporters cried chants of “F-C-C.” Later, then-NYRB Head Coach Jesse Marsch said it was the best atmosphere he’s witnessed on the continent.
Truthfully, it’s an understatement to say the match was massive. After all, MLS Commissioner Don Garber remarked it was the moment he knew FC Cincinnati belonged in his league.
So, when the teams meet Saturday night in Red Bull Arena, they’ll line up against one another with all that backlogged history. It’ll be the first time Cincinnati plays a club in MLS that it played as a USL club.
Is it a rivalry? Perhaps.
Anyone who follows FC Cincinnati knows how important the USL tilts were. Come Saturday, a hefty chunk of Red Bulls’ roster will have already played the Oranges and Blue during the RBII games.
Yet what this matchup truly is – beyond speculation of a rivalry – is a game of respect.
Any Cincinnati fan who doesn’t applaud New York’s approach as a club with the youth academy, second team and identity would be kidding themselves.
There was once a time when FC Cincinnati wanted validation. They wanted proof they belonged in MLS. The New York Red Bulls showed unwavering support.
Soon, they’ll meet together in an MLS match.
This season will include so many firsts; so many moments for Cincinnati fans to pinch themselves and say, “We made it.” Saturday night in Red Bull Arena will be one more reminder.
It’ll also be the first time the two clubs play one another in the league they should’ve always shared. That’ll be a moment to celebrate – even if Red Bulls fans won’t chant “F-C-C” this time.
