FC Cincinnati, in preparation for its inaugural season as a member of the United Soccer League, will hold a player combine this week as the roster for the 2016 season is being set. The FC Cincinnati Combine will be held today, January 25 through Thursday, January 28 at Wall2Wall Soccer, 846 Reading Road in Mason. The combine will be held from 10 a.m. to noon each day and is open to the public for observing.
This will be the first time that many players on the current roster will play together, and will also give coaches another look at a dozen players from the first round of tryouts who will return for the next step in making the team. In addition to the group returning from tryouts, approximately 20 new players will be working to earn a spot on the roster, as well.
In December, the first class of 11 players was introduced to fans and media. Led by Cincinnati native Austin Berry, the initial group of players has a combination of MLS and international playing experience. Last week, six additional players, including Cincinnati State and University of Cincinnati star Omar Cummings, were announced. To meet the team, visit https://www.fccincinnati.com/player-roster/.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how our initial group of players works together as a team,” said John Harkes, Head Coach of FC Cincinnati. “We expect to see some good competition during this week’s combine as we are still looking for the best talent in the area to fill our roster.”
In February, FC Cincinnati is heading south to Florida for training camp and a preseason tournament against two international teams and New York City FC from February 16-28.
The Club will travel to Sarasota, Florida to participate in a four-team friendly tournament featuring Danish Superliga club HB Koge (DEN), MLS club New York City FC (USA) and Úrvalsdeild club Reykjavik FC (ICE).
The tournament will take place from February 17-27. For tickets and match information, visit http://bit.ly/1K7hwwx.
Training sessions for FC Cincinnati will be held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida during this time.
“We are excited to train at the IMG Academy to prepare for our inaugural season in the USL,” said Harkes. “Our team will have the chance to train at a top notch facility and compete against international and professional soccer talent to prepare us for the upcoming season.”
