Friends,
As we approach the holiday season, I wanted to take the opportunity to share our thanks for the part you have played in our club’s phenomenal success this year. With your support at our matches and our special events and by sharing your passion for FC Cincinnati with others, we began a movement in our city!
I marvel at how far we have come in a year, from our first open tryout a year ago, to playing our friendly at Xavier University, to the first official fixture, to hosting Crystal Palace and then our first playoff game in front of a record crowd and finally, culminating in a visit from Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber. Our city truly came together to show Commissioner Garber that Cincinnati is a vibrant, major-league town and your enthusiasm for FC Cincinnati spoke volumes to the growth of soccer that is happening right here in the Queen City!
As we look towards our second year, we have received several questions regarding the 2017 schedule, specifically about when it will be available. I can only answer that question by referencing what is occurring in the US Soccer Federation. Due to a variety of reasons, the Federation’s consideration of the USL’s Division 2 Application is uncertain. You may have seen the USL’s announcement that Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC, formerly of the NASL, joined the USL in October and we understand there is potential for additional teams to come into our league. Due to that uncertainty, the USL cannot finalize any schedules until the Federation resolves these League matters. Based on our conversations with the USL, we are hopeful that the schedule will be available in mid-to-late January and ask for your patience. However, be assured that you can look forward to watching exciting, quality soccer with talented players on our team as well as around the League.
In addition to your patience, we ask for your continued support of our club. Proudly sport your orange and blue, be our ambassadors within your neighborhoods and workplaces, and continue to engage with us on our social media accounts and at our special events. As instructed by Commissioner Garber, our goal is to continue building and growing. We out-drew several MLS teams last year and we hope to out-draw several more this next season. With your help, we can accomplish that goal. We ask you to be a part of our growth and encourage others to get involved with FC Cincinnati.
I would like you to know that my staff and I are dedicated. Dedicated to bringing you professional soccer at the highest level. Dedicated to ensuring your experience and interactions with FCC are always caring. And dedicated to working together to make Cincinnati a better community for everyone. I hope you can tell, we are dedicated to ensuring you have a franchise that you and your families are proud to support.
On behalf of our ownership, the team, and our staff, thank you again for an amazing 2016 and we wish you and your loved ones all the best of love, good health and happiness this holiday season and in the New Year.
Sincerely,
Jeff Berding
President & General Manager
