The Orange and Blue made another move during the MLS summer transfer Tuesday afternoon when they released midfielder Eric Alexander, making him available to join any club in the league between now and the roster freeze via the Waiver Draft.
The move isn’t too surprising for both the player and club.
For Alexander, he was another player in a crowded midfield, and his last appearance was a start against Minnesota United FC on June 29. That same match, rookie defensive midfielder Tommy McCabe made his MLS debut. That debut, aligned with Alexander’s last appearance, show minutes would be scarce and would be more valuable in the long term if FCC prioritized their 2019 MLS SuperDraft pick.
Alexander made six appearances this season and four starts, but his time was limited to 312 minutes during regular season play.
He now has the chance for a fresh start and to play for another club to finish the year. Before the campaign began, Alexander had more MLS appearances than anyone on the roster, and he can provide that experience elsewhere around the league.
For the club, the oversaturated midfield has one less player fighting for minutes, which could free up opportunities.
Immediately following the 7-1 loss at MNUFC, Allan Cruz started playing as a center midfielder, which meant another midfield option for then-Interim Head Coach Yoann Damet.
Now in his first day coaching FC Cincinnati, Ron Jans has one less midfielder to find playing time for, and the Orange and Blue just opened up a roster spot with time remaining in the MLS summer transfer window.
