FC Cincinnati’s 2019 preseason began Monday morning when players reported for entrance physicals. For some, they’ve only been in the city for a few days; others are back for their second, third or even fourth season at the club.
While each individual’s story is different, they all have one commonality: Everyone is ready for preseason.
Below is a collection of comments from players regarding the beginning of FCC’s first Major League Soccer preseason.
Fatai Alashe
“It’s good to be back,” Alashe said with a smile Monday.
After joining Cincinnati during the 2018 United Soccer League season, the midfielder will experience his first preseason with the club this winter. He said starting fresh should lead to strong results.
“It’s definitely going to be a lot better for me not to have to worry about all that stuff,” he said about getting settled. “I see some of the new guys kind of trying to figure out simple stuff like where they’ll live and definitely stuff you don’t want to be dealing with during the season. So, it’s nice to be settled in and kind of get a head start this year.”
Logan Gdula
This time two weeks ago, Gdula didn’t know where or when he’d be selected in the 2019 SuperDraft. Now, he’s preparing for his first professional practice on Tuesday morning.
“It’s a good feeling knowing we’re getting started tomorrow,” the defender said. “I mean [the offseason] stuff is fun, but you get anxious there and you just want to start.”
Gdula is among FC Cincinnati’s six players picked in the SuperDraft. All six players were present for their physical.
As for what he wants to accomplish during preseason training, he said it’s important to learn his role within the squad and see how he can help himself, both individually and with the club.
“[I’m] just learning all the different personalities and seeing where you can fit in with the group,” Gdula said. “It’s also getting to know your teammates more so you can have a better relationship on the field. … [I just want] to grow as a player and learn the system that coach wants us to play and just where I can fit in, my style of play and how to improve as a player at the next level.”
Corben Bone
Bone and Jimmy McLaughlin are the only players that have been with FC Cincinnati since its inaugural 2016 season. Back in 2019, Bone said he’s excited to see both new and old faces, as well as develop chemistry that will help the team in MLS.
“It’s a cool process,” Bone said of preseason. “A great thing about this game is you get to meet new people from all over the world and each new beginning you get to see new faces and old ones as well.
“When you put all that together, it’s an exciting time. …It’s a brand-new start and a new beginning. Your record is 0-0. You have everything in front of you.”
Alvas Powell
While Powell is playing in a new place — FC Cincinnati traded for him from Portland Timbers — the right back will see some familiar faces this season.
Fanendo Adi joined FCC from Portland last summer, while Darren Mattocks played for the Timbers previously.
“I have Fanendo,” Powell said of old teammates on a new club. “He’s a good guy. We have Darren Mattocks and a few more guys that I played against in the league, so it’s a good feeling being back and seeing Adi, especially.”
