Note: As FC Cincinnati begin their second MLS season and prepare for Sunday’s season opener at the New York Red Bulls, we’re taking a closer look at the players on the club’s roster, focusing on each positional group. Today’s edition highlights the wingers.
Previous breakdowns:
Goalkeeper | Defenders | Midfielders
There was a point in 2019 when interim head coach Yoann Damet only had two healthy wingers available. That lasted a month.
So, it wasn’t a surprise that FCC viewed wing depth as a priority this past preseason. Now, Damet has six options.
Because FCC have fully embraced the “Dutch Way” of playing, wingers have never been more important for the club’s identity and philosophy. We know their value on paper. What can they produce on the pitch?
Yuya Kubo
No. 7
Age: 26
The first Designated Player signed this offseason, Kubo is a Japan National Team winger who can play across the front three positions. If needed, he can be an attacking midfield, too.
Kubo last played in Belgium with K.A.A Gent, but also has experience playing in Germany, Switzerland and Japan.
He has spectacular ball control and can create goal-scoring opportunities from the outside channels. He’s an exciting addition to the roster and should have an impressive debut season in MLS.
Update: Kubo started both matches earlier this season and scored with a world-class strike against Atlanta United FC. The DP can play on the wing or centrally, which makes him a dynamic option in head coach Jaap Stam’s side.
Adrien Regattin
No. 9
Age: 28
How FC Cincinnati were able to sign Regattin as a free agent is a small miracle and shows the creativity of the technical staff. The right winger has an unbelievable work rate both in and out of possession, and might be one of the club’s fiercest defenders.
Regattin is a great ball distributor and will likely accumulate assists this season, in addition to scoring goals.
Two of FCC’s three leading scorers last season were wingers. That could easily happen again.
Odds are he’ll also quickly become a fan favorite.
Update: Regattin produced tireless performances in the first two games, and expect that to continue during the MLS is Back Tournament. The right winger’s arrival was an under-the-radar addition – but likely because he signed the day after Jürgen Locadia was acquired. That said, expect Regattin to make a big impact soon.
Kekuta Manneh
No. 31
Age: 25
In FCC’s final preseason friendly last Friday, Manneh played a thrilling 73 minutes that included taking on defenders, using his speed to create opportunities and setting up goals. It was a performance that fit in with some of the winger’s best displays in 2019.
Manneh was the team’s third-leading scorer (four goals) before shoulder surgery ended his season in late September. Still rehabbing at the start of preseason, he’s fully fit entering the new campaign and should be an intriguing player to watch.
Update: Don’t underestimate what Manneh’s role can be under Stam. The winger played across FCC’s frontline in 2019 and can do the same in 2020. With more creative attacking players in the squad now, there are numerous ways for all to provide an impact. Whether he’s a starter or a sub, he could be a key component of the Cincinnati attack.
Jimmy McLaughlin
No. 20
Age: 27
Position: winger
McLaughlin enters 2020 awaiting his first competitive minutes since October 2018. The only player who’s been on every FCC roster since the club’s inception, McLaughlin is a fan favorite for his pace and work ethic.
He missed all of 2019 with a torn ACL, but he’s recovered and is looking to return to his form that originally earned him an MLS contract after the ’18 season. Offered a trialist spot in preseason, McLaughlin impressed and earned another contract in Tucson. Now, he’s fighting to earn MLS minutes.
Something else to watch for: McLaughlin is second on the club’s career appearances chart with 104. Corben Bone has the most with 111.
Update: McLaughlin didn’t make the 18-man matchday squad in New York or Atlanta and awaits his first competitive appearance since October 2018.
Rey Ortiz
No. 25
Age: 23
Position: winger
Ortiz is on loan with the Charlotte Independence in the USL Championship for the remainder of the season.
Drafted No. 29 overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, he entered the preseason as a trialist and earned a contract last week.
The 23-year-old winger is creative on the outside and generated two assists inside his first 45 minutes against Phoenix Rising FC. A player who personifies dedication, Ortiz is a prospect for FCC supporters to keep an eye on moving forward.
Update: Ortiz and the Charlotte Independence will resume the USL Championship season later this month against Birmingham Legion FC, Memphis 901 FC and North Carolina FC.
Joseph-Claude Gyau
No. 36
Age: 27
Position: winger
The biggest talking point in Gyau’s interviews last year was time. After arriving with only two months left in the season, he didn’t have much of it.
That’s changed in 2020. Gyau had a full offseason with the club and showed glimpses of his ability during preseason. His goal against Phoenix – when he won the ball in a high press and then scored on a near post shot – showed exactly what he offers in the final third.
Update: Serving a one-match ban to start the season, Gyau started in Atlanta and delivered a performance that’s become his norm: an ability to attack an opponent in various ways. This time last year, he just played for the USMNT. That wasn’t unwarranted. Gyau is an impressive player, and the MLS is Back Tournament will be a great platform to reiterate that.
