The wait is finally over: FC Cincinnati returns to the pitch for the first time in 2017 this Sunday, February 19th, for the Orange & Blue's first preseason match of the season! And just as was the case throughout our inaugural season, we'll be previewing each and every match.
We'll be sure to include all of the important information you'll need about the match, from when and where it will actually be played, to who to watch and how you can watch them.
WHEN
Sunday, February 19th at 3:30pm ET.
TICKETS ONLY AVAILABLE AT WALK UP
OPPOSITION
The Orange & Blue will cut their 2017 teeth against USL Western Conference side Oklahoma City Energy Football Club. Better known as OKC Energy FC, the club enters their fourth overall season under the stewardship of fourth year head coach -- and former MLS champion goalkeeper -- Jimmy Nielsen.
VENUE
IMG Academy Stadium in Bradenton, Florida.
DIRECTIONS
FORM
FCC: Considering this is FCC's first match of the year, rating the team's current form isn't exactly easy. Especially in a period of transition. But there's still plenty supporters should feel good about when looking at where things are headed in year two. Fresh faces have arrived on the technical and playing staffs to bolster a side that performed admirably for a first-year club in 2016, but aspires to much more. And this first match of the year should serve as the perfect platform for the team to start fitting those pieces into the puzzle.
OKC: While this match will be FCC's opening fixture of the season, the Energy actually already have two under their belts. Their first of the year was a 3-1 win over NAIA collegiate side John Brown University on February 11th. Their second match also came against a college team, with the club grabbing a 2-1 win over Rogers State University. As for 2016, Energy FC finished seventh in a topsy-turvy Western Conference during the regular season before being bumped from the playoff picture last year at the conference semis to new head coach Alan Koch's Vancouver Whitecaps II.
PLAYERS
FCC: With so many new faces in the squad, there will be quite a few positional battles to keep an eye on in the initial match of the year. Most should keep their eyes focused up top as FCC will look to fill the massive void opened up by the departure of 2016 USL MVP and Golden Boot winner Sean Okoli. But with the arrival of five new attacking players -- Andy Craven, Kadeem Dacres, Djiby Fall, Daryl Fordyce and Victor Mansaray -- the coaching staff has built up an arsenal of options, rather than trying to plug the hole with a single player. Sunday's match might offer us the first glimpses of how they'll be mixed in with a strong core of returning attacking talent.
OKC: Though the Energy return three of their top six scorers from 2016, none of those players managed more than four goals and four assists last year. However, the club will be pleased to welcome back leading scorer, Danni König, who was the team's top scorer in back-to-back seasons. While the Danish forward isn't likely to be happy with his output last term, he can still lean on a brilliant 2015 campaign that saw him bag a club-record 21 goals.
COACH
"The game will be an opportunity for us to get an early look at all of our players and get them all some important preseason minutes. We are approaching [it] as an educational exercise and look forward to implementing an exciting system of play. And OKC will be an excellent team to play against as they routinely compete to win the Western Conference. "
- Head Coach Alan Koch
HISTORY
While this will be the first meeting between FC Cincinnati and OKC Energy FC, the match is not entirely devoid of history. New FCC forward Andy Craven spent the second half of 2016 with OKC prior to joining the Orange & Blue this offseason.
WEATHER
Teams normally head to Florida for preseason to prepare for the campaign away from the brutal winter temperatures and weather typical of February. However, it will be around 8° warmer in Bradenton than it will be in Cincinnati! If you happen to be heading to IMG for the match, you can expect temperatures around 75° at kickoff, with light winds, partly cloudy skies and a smothering 84% humidity. Though beware: this is Florida, and showers can pop up at nearly any moment.
WATCH
As this is preseason, none of our matches prior to the start of the regular season campaign will be on television. However, just like last year, all the matches at IMG Academy will be streamed. Unlike last year though, all of the streams at IMG will be FREE of charge!
CLICK HERE TO STREAM FCC vs OKC.
LISTEN
None of FC Cincinnati's 2017 preseason matches will be available over the radio or via streaming radio.
SOCIAL
Just as was the case in 2016, you can follow along with the action during all of our 2017 matches live on our Twitter feed at @fccincinnati. Halftime and full time updates will also be available on Facebook. To get live looks from the match, follow us on Instagram and Snapchat at 'fccincinnati', too.
