FC Cincinnati Overview
FC Cincinnati is a professional American soccer club based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded on August 12, 2015, the club initially competed in the United Soccer League (USL) before joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2019 as an expansion team in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home matches at TQL Stadium and is primarily owned by Carl Lindner III. Known for its vibrant orange and blue colors, FC Cincinnati has quickly built a passionate supporter culture and achieved significant milestones, including winning the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield. The club maintains affiliations with international teams such as TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and operates a reserve team in MLS Next Pro.
Founding and Organizational Origins
FC Cincinnati was established on August 12, 2015, with the goal of bringing professional soccer to Cincinnati and building a strong local fan base. The ownership group was led by Carl Lindner III, CEO of American Financial Group, with Jeff Berding serving as the original president and general manager. The club was launched as a USL franchise and began play in 2016 at Nippert Stadium, located on the University of Cincinnati campus. Early efforts focused on creating a competitive team and establishing a dedicated fan culture.
The club’s initial operational structure included experienced leadership and a partnership with the Dayton Dutch Lions, which influenced the club’s colors and crest design. The team quickly set attendance records in the USL, reflecting strong community support. Jeff Berding’s background with the Cincinnati Bengals and youth soccer helped bridge connections within the local sports scene.
Growth Into Major League Soccer Competition
FC Cincinnati’s rapid growth and strong fan engagement led to negotiations with Major League Soccer for an expansion franchise. In May 2018, MLS awarded Cincinnati a franchise, and the club began MLS play in 2019. The transition involved expanding the team’s operations, signing key players such as Fanendo Adi and Fatai Alashe, and preparing for a higher level of competition. The club also planned and constructed TQL Stadium, a soccer-specific venue that opened in 2021, enhancing the team’s infrastructure.
Leadership roles evolved with Jeff Berding becoming co-CEO and Chris Albright appointed as general manager in 2021. The club also developed technical partnerships, including affiliations with Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Ghanaian club Hearts of Oak SC. FC Cincinnati 2 was established as a reserve team competing in MLS Next Pro to support player development.
FC Cincinnati Competitive Journey
FC Cincinnati’s competitive journey began in the USL, where the team quickly became a dominant presence, setting attendance records and winning the USL Regular Season Championship in 2018. Upon joining MLS in 2019, the club faced initial challenges but steadily improved, culminating in winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2023 and making deep playoff runs.
Early Seasons and Development (2016–2018)
In its inaugural USL seasons, FC Cincinnati established itself as a fan favorite, breaking league attendance records multiple times and creating a strong home-field atmosphere at Nippert Stadium. The team reached the USL playoffs and made notable runs in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, including victories over MLS teams. The club’s early approach emphasized community engagement and building a competitive roster to attract and retain fans.
During this period, FC Cincinnati also developed its supporter culture, with organized marches and fan groups contributing to the club’s identity. The partnership with the Dayton Dutch Lions influenced the team’s colors and crest, reinforcing local ties. The 2018 USL Regular Season Championship marked a high point before the club transitioned to MLS.
Breakthrough in Major League Soccer (2019–2023)
FC Cincinnati’s entry into MLS in 2019 marked a new chapter with increased competition and operational demands. The team faced a difficult start, leading to coaching changes, but gradually improved under new leadership. The hiring of Pat Noonan as head coach and Chris Albright as general manager in 2021 brought stability and a clear vision.
By 2022, FC Cincinnati qualified for its first MLS Cup Playoffs, showcasing strong offensive performances from players like Brenner, Brandon Vázquez, and Luciano Acosta. The 2023 season was a breakthrough, with the club setting an MLS record for consecutive home wins and winning the Supporters’ Shield for the first time. The team also advanced to the conference finals in the playoffs and qualified for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2023–Present)
FC Cincinnati continues to build on its recent successes with a focus on competitive excellence and infrastructure development. The club plays at TQL Stadium, a state-of-the-art soccer-specific venue with a capacity of over 25,000. Ownership remains led by Carl Lindner III, with Jeff Berding as co-CEO. The team maintains strong technical partnerships and operates a reserve squad in MLS Next Pro to foster talent.
Current head coach Pat Noonan leads a roster featuring key contributors such as Lucho Acosta, who was named MLS Most Valuable Player in 2023. The club aims to sustain its competitive edge in MLS and expand its presence in international competitions. Community engagement and supporter culture remain central to the club’s identity.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
FC Cincinnati emphasizes an attacking style of play, leveraging strong offensive talents and creative midfielders. The team excels at home, supported by passionate fans and a vibrant atmosphere at TQL Stadium. Strategic player acquisitions and development through the reserve team contribute to sustained competitiveness.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones include setting USL attendance records, winning the 2018 USL Regular Season Championship, joining MLS in 2019, qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in 2022, and winning the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield. The club’s first MLS playoff conference final appearance and qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup mark historic achievements.
FC Cincinnati Achievements and Results
FC Cincinnati has achieved significant success in its relatively short history. The club won the USL Regular Season Championship in 2018 and secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2023, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. These accomplishments reflect the club’s rapid growth and competitive progression.
Major League Soccer Achievements
Since joining MLS in 2019, FC Cincinnati has steadily improved, culminating in the 2023 Supporters’ Shield victory. The club set a league record for consecutive home wins in a single season and made its deepest playoff run by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. Individual accolades include Lucho Acosta’s 2023 MLS Most Valuable Player award.
Conference Achievements
Competing in the Eastern Conference, FC Cincinnati has established itself as a playoff contender. The club finished second overall in the conference in 2025 and reached the conference semifinals in the playoffs. These results demonstrate the team’s growing stature within the conference.
Divisional Achievements
While MLS does not currently use divisions, FC Cincinnati’s consistent performance in the Eastern Conference reflects strong divisional competitiveness within the league’s structure.
Series Achievements
FC Cincinnati’s progression from USL to MLS and its affiliations with international clubs highlight its commitment to growth and excellence across multiple competitive series. The club’s reserve team in MLS Next Pro supports player development and competitive depth.
