Note: This story originally ran in February, but it’s been updated ahead of FC Cincinnati’s participation in the MLS is Back Tournament. A different position group will be highlighted daily, starting with the goalkeepers.
Following an offseason that saw an influx with player signings and departures among field players, the goalkeeper position group nearly went untouched. Other than Bobby Edwards’ arrival and Jimmy Hague being waived, the 2020 position group remains almost the same as this time last year.
That also means the keepers will want to show progress and tangible results following last campaign.
With a year of progress, a preseason training in the club’s playing philosophy and a stronger roster, expect the goalkeepers to make a big impact in 2020.
Przemysław Tytoń
No. 22
Age: 33
In late 2018, “Titi” arrived in Cincinnati needing minutes. His last competitive match was October 2017, and the 2019 preseason priority was getting him experience.
That’s changed entering 2020. Rather than needing to adjust to a new club, league and country, the former Polish National Team goalkeeper awaits his second season with the team.
He ended the 2019 season posting one impressive performance after another. With a new campaign beginning in 2020, he’s shown his quality and consistency.
Update: Titi was an unused substitute in the first two matches, but it'll be interesting to see if head coach Jaap Stam keepers Spencer Richey as the starting goalkeeper. Stam is familiar with Tytoń after the Polish goalkeeper played with PSV Eindhoven previously in his career.
Spencer Richey
No. 18
Age: 28
Richey is back for his third season at the club and is currently the team’s second-longest tenured player.
After earning starts in the first half of 2019, Richey missed the final 2.5 months of the season with a back injury.
Before the injury derailed his season, Richey played every league match under interim head coach Yoann Damet when the Frenchman was FCC’s interim coach last season from May through early August.
Now fully fit entering 2020, it’ll be interesting to see how that impacts the position battle throughout the campaign. Either way, Damet said he has faith in both keepers and is confident in both Tytoń and Richey.
Update: Richey started both matches before the season was suspended, and played in all but two MLS matches that Yoann Damet served as FC Cincinnati's interim head coach – both in 2019 and 2020.
One thing that's worth noting is that Richey hasn't faced Columbus Crew Sc in the #HellIsReal Derby, but has started in every match against Atlanta United FC and the New York Red Bulls since FCC joined MLS.
Bobby Edwards
No. 1
Age: 24
Edwards joined FCC having recently played at Portadown FC, a club in Northern Ireland. The New Jersey native is expected to be the third stringer this season behind Tytoń and Richey, but has the quality to step in when necessary.
Update: Edwards wasn't named to the 18-man matchday roster earlier this season.
Ben Lundt
No. 39
Age: 24
Lundt is on loan with Louisville City FC in the USL Championship.
The German goalkeeper is back with Lou City for a second season after going on loan in 2019. He started the year well with four clean sheets in his first 12 games, but an injury and resulting surgery ended his season prematurely in June.
Now healthy, FCC fans will keep on eye on how Lundt performs in his second year at the USL Championship side.
Update: Lundt basically had the USL Save of the Season in the opening half of Lou City’s win at North Carolina FC back in March. Louisville only played one game before the USL Championship suspended its regular season.
This past Friday, the league announced Lundt and Lou City will play in the USL Championship’s Group E when play resumes. The other teams in the group, which will have a 16-game tournament, are Indy Eleven, Saint Louis FC and Sporting Kansas City II.
